Property owners along Industrial Road don’t want the swath of tarmac between Two Mile Hill and Quartz Road fixed up.
At city council on Monday, they voted against road reconstruction that would have included improving the road base, pavement, concrete curb and gutter.
A sidewalk would also have been built and the storm drainage and street lighting improved.
Ballot-filled letters were sent to 18 property owners along that section of Industrial Road.
The city received 10 votes against the bylaw.
Because the majority is against the improvements, the city cannot proceed with the bylaw.
Mayor Bev Buckway says she was “extremely disappointed,” to hear that the bylaw would be defeated.
“This is going to go to the bottom of the pile. It probably won’t come back for another five years,” she said at Monday night’s meeting.
“There’s only so much we can do to try to make improvements in our town and this one’s gone.
“So, to the people on the side roads, I’m sorry.”
The property owners raised concerns about access to their properties, drainage from the road and that they would have to shovel the sidewalk in the winter.
“Cost was one of the major factors,” city operations manager Clive Sparks told council.
The city’s plan to put in traffic lights at the intersection at Quartz Road will continue as planned.
“I just wonder where we get the idea that there’s strong public support for installation of these new traffic signals,” said councillor Doug Graham.
“Because, unlike councillor Stockdale, I’m not so sure that there’s a huge amount of support among the residents and businesses in that area.
“Everybody I’ve talked to has said leave it alone, don’t fix it,” added councillor Dave Austin.
“If they want traffic lights, fine,” said Graham.
“But if not, then I think we have to seriously reconsider.” (CO)