Mississauga residents confused, angry that part of Waterfront Trail was closed without explanation
Published January 26, 2022 at 2:05 pm
Residents of Mississauga’s Port Credit area are angry that a portion of the popular Waterfront Trail was suddenly closed off without a satisfactory explanation.
At a deputation before the City of Mississauga’s meeting of general committee earlier today, area resident Chris Mackie told councillors he and other residents who regularly walk or cycle along the trail were shocked last month to see part of the trail temporarily closed due to construction.
A black-and-white sign at one point along the trail reads: “Notice. Multi-use trail temporarily closed for construction. January to March 2022.”
Behind the sign, temporary fencing closes off the trail.
There was no further explanation on the sign, nor was there anything to indicate who or what organization had posted the sign and was doing the “construction.”
Similar City of Mississauga signs contain the City’s logo, some details about the work and who/where people can contact for more information.
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Mackie said the Waterfront Trail is normally well maintained, so the closure, albeit temporary, surprised him. What angered him, though, and other residents, was the complete lack of any additional details on the sign, including who closed the trail and why it needed to be closed for so long.
The trail is a beautiful part of Mississauga, said Mackie, adding “it’s also a lifeline…that allows people to walk or cycle to shops in Port Credit and to the GO station” as well.
“There was no advance notice of the shutdown. This is not good enough,” said Mackie. “Many people come to enjoy the trail…and many were bewildered when they encountered the closed gates.”
As it turned out, Port Credit West Village Partners (PCWVP), the consortium that’s developing the nearby Brightwater residential/business community, had temporarily closed off access to part of the Waterfront Trail in order to complete sewer work.
Ward 1 Councillor Stephen Dasko said the work is to be completed for both the huge new Brightwater development and the larger community.
Still, he noted, the developer dropped the ball in terms of providing adequate notice and proper explanation to area residents.
“This has been a source of much angst in the community,” said Dasko. “The signage that (was put up) was confusing, it angered everybody, angered myself. (The sign) just said closure and nothing else.”
After speaking with the developer, Dasko said PCWVP decided to do the work now instead of in spring or summer when even more residents would likely be impacted by a temporary closure.
Mackie said it doesn’t appear as if much work has been done to date.
“I hope Brightwater will expedite this…but as of this week, it looks as if very little work had commenced,” he added.
“I share your frustration,” said Dasko, responding to Mackie. “I saw that during the Christmas break as well and looked immediately for answers.
“I don’t want (the trail) closed at all, but I do know (the developer) is working with everyone to get it open again as soon as possible.”
Dasko noted that the signage has since been changed and a QR code now appears on it to allow residents to scan it into their phones for more information.
Geoff Wright, the City’s commissioner of transportation and works, said there’s “no question that broader community consultation should have been undertaken by Brightwater before (work) went forward.”
Added Jodi Robillos, Mississauga’s community services commissioner: “That’s not an acceptable level of communication with the public…we told this to Brightwater.”
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