The closure of two businesses following the approval of a new parking by-law has council in Prince Edward County taking a second look at specific areas of concern.
A motion was passed during Tuesday night’s regular council meeting which seeks a staff report regarding pedestrian activity in the Lake of the Mountain area, County Road 7.
Two restaurants, the Inn at Lake on the Mountain and the Miller House, will be shutting their doors due to the strain new county parking by-laws have put on the businesses.
Danielle Chretien, a member of the family that owns and operates the Inn at Lake on the Mountain and the Miller House restaurants, was scheduled to speak at the meeting but did not make a deputation.
She confirmed to Quinte News earlier this month, the by-law parking restrictions in front of the businesses have prompted the family to close their doors at a date to be determined.
Councillor Ernie Margetson put forth the motion which directs staff to prepare a report of pedestrian and vehicular activity in the Lake of the Mountain area, and provide recommendations to be implemented in the 2022 season.
“This is an area which lends itself to a high volume of pedestrian activity, combined with the vehicular traffic aspects of a County collector road with rural standards. And also the activities of the adjacent land uses and attractions, which we will strive to keep safe for all to enjoy.”
Councillor Brad Nieman felt the spirit of the motion was done in good faith but noted the time of peak tourist season had already passed, meaning there wouldn’t be a true portrayal of pedestrian and vehicle activity in the area.
Councillor Stewart Bailey noted this isn’t the first time this area has been a cause of concern.
“If you look into the history of this location, you’ll find the minutes to previous meetings of the Public Works Committee dated May 5 and June 16, 2003, and a report that followed these dated August 28, 2003. Along with these there are minutes from the traffic committee dated September 21, 2009, October 26, 2009, May 20, 2010. They all deal with traffic concerns in this area.”
Chief Administrative Officer Marcia Wallace said she could use her authority to single source a vendor this week to complete the work. She stated it wasn’t a complicated job but would require a number of site visits.
Mayor Steve Ferguson said it was a matter of public safety and vitally important to begin as soon as possible.
