Accessibility and neighbour complaints prompt Huntsville to change bus stop

At the Huntsville regular council meeting held last Monday, Oct. 23, council directed town staff to work with the District of Muskoka and Ontario Northland to find a new bus stop that suits users' needs.

According to town staff, the current stop located at 304 Ravenscliffe Rd. has presented some issues and has forced both the town and Ontario Northland to look for alternatives.

"The stop is technically on town land. However, the adjacent property owner is not happy with the volume of traffic on their lot due to the bus stopping there," said Tarmo Uukkivi, director of operations and protective services.

"There have also been several public concerns raised about the location of that stop in terms of accessibility, lighting, lack of shelter -- many different concerns."

Staff wants to enact the new stop at 60 Station Rd — in front of the train station off Main Street.

Uukkivi says the location brings benefits to the community.

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"It has a lengthy, wide, paved shoulder marked off with a solid white line, separating it from the travelled portion of the roadway," he said. "Certain discussions are going on around where to build a transit hub within the town. This move would help facilitate that.

WHEN IS THE CHANGE OF STATION EXPECTED?

According to Uukkivi, the town and Ontario Northland have taken out road occupation permits that allow the bus to stop at the new location. However, Northland needs to adjust the route, which takes some time.

According to the Ontario Northland website, the new location will be effective on Nov. 5.

As the district owns the new proposed location, the town entered into a process of occupation with the district to add amenities such as benches or bins.

Mayor Nancy Alcock highlighted the importance of adapting the site when the occupancy permit is obtained.

"I assume that there would be benches because it took us forever to get the benches over at the other location," said Alcock. "And it would seem that we should at least be consistent in that regard."