Southgate Adopts Urgent Policy for Unopened Road Allowances

URGENT UPDATE: The township of Southgate, Ontario has just announced a new policy regarding unopened road allowances, a decision that could impact property owners and local trails. This policy aims to clarify how requests for purchasing these pathways will be handled and ensures that no individual can block access to them.

Road allowances, often overlooked, are strips of land designated for future road development. Despite their potential, many of these paths remain unused, leading to requests for purchase from adjoining landowners. Recently, Southgate’s council approved guidelines on how to approach these requests, emphasizing the importance of retaining road allowances for future utility or road development needs.

Under the new policy, any request to buy a road allowance will be reviewed in a closed council session before moving to a public meeting for action. If approved, the property must be valued and offered to adjacent landowners, who will bear all associated costs. Notably, in 2024, a request to purchase a section of Old Railroad Road was declined due to future development interests in the area.

This policy is not just about sales; it also addresses liability issues. Public access to these road allowances will remain illegal unless a bylaw is passed for maintenance, meaning the township won’t be liable for safety on these paths. Any groups using trails must carry a minimum of $5 million in insurance.

The new regulations also stipulate that anyone wishing to improve a road allowance must fund upgrades to meet municipal standards. This was evidenced when a landowner sought improvements to obtain a building permit for their lot. A deal was struck, allowing the road allowance to serve as a private driveway, provided it met specific width requirements.

As Southgate implements this policy, residents should be aware that the council will consider various factors when evaluating requests, including how many properties will benefit and the potential impact on safety and the local roads department. While some road allowances are still wild and undeveloped, others have been transformed into community trails.

In light of these changes, residents are urged to stay informed about the ongoing developments surrounding road allowances in Southgate. The township’s commitment to transparency and public safety is evident in its new approach, which balances community needs with future planning strategies. Keep an eye on council meetings for further updates on this urgent matter.

This policy could reshape how residents in Southgate interact with their land and navigate their properties, making it crucial for community members to engage with these developments actively.