by Tom Sasvari
EVANSVILLE—While work on highways in numerous areas of Manitoulin Island were just carried out by Emcon Services for the Ministry of Transportation last fall, reports are already coming in that the roads are in bad condition again this spring. Independent Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha is encouraging people around the Island and the constituency to let him know about any problem areas and to send him pictures so he can take them to the Minister of Transportation (MTO) directly.
“I will be asking constituents to let me know if there are any problems with roads deteriorating or potholes,” said MPP Mantha. “Oh yeah, I’ve been receiving calls. Actually, the calls haven’t stopped since the beginning of the work the MTO did on the highways last summer-fall, and on the completion of the work.”
“Yes, it’s spring and there is going to be some heaving with the winter thaw,” said MPP Mantha. “But we are already hearing about problems with the roads this spring which has nothing to do with the winter and spring conditions. The MTO had said with the work that was done last year, that they would be assessing all complaints.”
The Expositor received a statement from the MTO April 14 which states, “at this time of the year, when frost is coming out of the ground, potholes can develop on roadways. Ministry staff continue to collect and monitor information about driving surfaces on Manitoulin Island. The ministry’s maintenance contractor continues to actively fix potholes as required.”
“In 2022, the ministry performed surface treatment work on Highways 540 and 542 on Manitoulin Island, totalling 36.5 kilometres,” the MTO explained. “We will continue to monitor the condition of the highways and ensure they remain in a safe and reliable condition for all users. For 2023, the ministry is continuing surface treatment work on Highways 551, 540, 542 and 542A.”
“The roads are falling apart, and they only did the work on them last September-October,” said Erwin Thompson, an Evansville resident, last week. “Emcon tried to patch up the road but there are big sections where the roads are disintegrating and there are lots of potholes. It hasn’t even been six months since the roads were worked on and they are already disintegrating.”
“Yes, with the potholes, Emcon tried to build them up, but new ones are developing,” said Mr. Thompson. “I have even seen on Highway 6 where work was done one or two years ago, there are already potholes.”
“I haven’t been able to get in touch with the ministry (transportation), but I did talk to a guy on the Emcon crew,” said Mr. Thompson. “When they did the Highway 540 work through the community (last fall) they left a three-to-four-inch drop from the top of the highway surface to the driveway (higher than the driveways), and never made the connection. I had my driveway built up, but the water and ice built up at the end of my driveway. Try to get on the highway if it has ice on it! And I had to walk across the ice to get to my mailbox.”
Derek Stephens, a Central Manitoulin municipal councillor told The Expositor, “the highways are not so good. They could be a lot better. Yes, there are potholes, and in some cases they are disintegrating along the sides of the roads. The are better than they were, but not as good as they should be.”
Lee Hayden, reeve of Gordon/Barrie Island told The Expositor last week, “I haven’t heard anything in regard to complaints on the highways so far this spring, but I know that on Highway 540 west from the OPP station (just outside of Gore Bay) things are definitely different. There is a hodgepodge of patches, repairs done to the road, and all kids of potholes. I know this is designated as a low priority standard highway, but it shouldn’t be low priority for upkeep. The roads should still meet certain passable standards.”
“The highway was definitely in worse shape last year, but it still needs addressing (this year),” said Reeve Hayden.
“I need to hear from people if they have concerns with the roads/highways and I would also encourage people to send in pictures if there are concerns.” said Mr. Mantha. “I need to know the deterioration has taken place, so that I can in turn bring this to the attention of the Minister.”
