Road Ownership Updates: What You Need to Know About the Peterborough County Road Rationalization Report
If you live in Peterborough County or Selwyn Township, you might see some changes regarding who manages the roads you drive on every day. A recent report from Selwyn's Manager of Public Works has recommended a "Road Rationalization" plan that would swap the ownership of specific sections of County Road 12 (Fife’s Bay Road), Fairbairn Street, 3rd Line, and Lily Lake Road.
Here is a breakdown of what is being proposed, why it matters, and what happens next.
What is Road Rationalization?
Road rationalization is a process designed to make sure the right level of government is looking after the right roads.
The County (Upper-tier): Should manage roads that serve "through traffic" (arterial roads) and connect different regions.
The Township (Lower-tier): Should manage roads that primarily provide local access to residents and businesses.
By aligning the road with the correct authority, the municipality can ensure more efficient services (such as snow plowing and repairs) and consistent road standards.
The Proposed Changes
The report, which the Council has received for information, recommends directing staff to negotiate the transfer of the following roads based on their usage and function:
1. Moving to the Township: County Road 12 (Fife’s Bay Road)
The Section: From Fifes Bay Marina Lane to the current end (the Loop). The Reason: This section scored low on the "County Road" criteria because it serves a rural residential setting rather than through traffic. Transferring this to the Township allows for better local management. Key Factor: Winter Maintenance. The current setup makes it difficult for County snow plows to turn around safely. The Township is better equipped to manage this specific local stretch, and the transfer ensures safer conditions for both drivers and plow operators.
2. Moving to the County: Fairbairn Street & 3rd Line
The Section: Fairbairn Street (from 3rd Line to Lily Lake Road/Towerhill Road) and 3rd Line (from Fairbairn Street to Chemong Road/County Road 18). The Reason: These roads act as a "Ring Road" around the City of Peterborough. Drivers frequently use them to bypass the city. Because they function as arterial roads carrying higher volumes of traffic, they fit the criteria for County management.
3. Moving to the County: Lily Lake Road
The Section: From Highway 7 to Fife’s Bay Road (County Road 12) / Ackison Road (County Road 27). The Reason:Since traffic lights were added at Highway 7, this route has become a major connector for the northern part of the City. Currently, jurisdiction jumps confusingly between the City, County, Township, and MTO. Moving this entire stretch to the County creates continuity and a smoother road network.
How Was This Decided?
The County follows a strict 7-Step Policy to ensure fairness. This involves:
Identifying candidates.
Scoring the roads based on 9 specific criteria.
Reviewing scores (generally, a score of 6+ suggests a County road).
Considering unique factors (like the snow plow turnaround issue on Fife’s Bay).
What Happens Next?
These transfers are not effective immediately. This is currently a recommendation to proceed to the next phase. The process moving forward involves:
Agreement in Principle: Both the Township and County Councils must agree that these transfers make sense.
Condition of Transfer: Staff will assess the physical condition of the roads. They need to determine if repairs, rehabilitation, or expansion are needed before the keys are handed over.
Financial Review: Costs will be calculated. If one municipality is receiving a road that needs major work, financial concessions or repairs will be negotiated.
Final Decision: Once the costs and conditions are settled, staff will return to Council for a final vote to legally transfer the roads.
Summary
The goal of these changes is efficiency. By ensuring the County manages the heavy-traffic arterial routes and the Township manages local residential lanes, residents should see better service delivery and a more logical road network.
