100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network

100TH ANNIVERSARY of the st o r mo nt, d undas and glengarry

cou nty r oa d syste m 1 9 16-2016

SDG ROADS

3

WAR D EN’S MESSAGE

I would like to extend my most sincere thanks to all who, over the past 100 years, have made the County Road System what it is today. Our 981 kilometers of County Roads are travelled by all residents of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry on a daily basis and provide a direct connection to our entire region. The Transportation and Planning Services Department has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1916 – it is now responsible for managing and maintaining a vital network of roadways equal in distance to driving from SDG to the Manitoba border.

The County Road System would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of all past and present members of County Council and employees. Congratulations to all those who have helped to build the best road network in Ontario!

Jamie MacDonald

SDG Warden

Since September 1985, Seaway News has been delivered to the mailboxes and homes that line the county roads of SDG. Every week our drivers ensure that the residents get the news delivered in the AdBag which also contains all of their shopping flyers.

www.cornwallseawaynews.com

Road Making: In order to make and maintain a permanent roadway, two rules must be followed: 1. Take the water out.

2. Keep the water out.

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

4

SDG ROADS

SDG ROADS

5

IN THE BEGINNING… THE COUNTIES

The original roads built by the settlers were crudely constructed of mud and logs. Travel was very difficult and often hazardous.

Government began investing in roads located in strategic locations while others were left to local residents and businesses to keep in good repair. Toll roads were constructed in several areas of SDG such as Matilda Township where the main road leading north was a toll road that had three separate toll gates (now known as County Road 16.)

In Williamsburg Township, the road north from Morrisburg to Williamsburg (County Road 31) was actually owned by a company which collected tolls and used the money to repair the road and create profit.

In the early 1900s, County Council was ready to create a

County Roads system however many of the local townships rejected the idea. It was decided to hold a referendum and during the 1906 Municipal Elections, taxpayers of SDG were asked: “Are you in favor of a County Road System?”

They overwhelmingly voted “No.” An excerpt from the minutes of County Council recorded that “as our experience of the feeling of the ratepayers as evidenced by the recent heavy adverse vote on the County Road System – we recommend no action be taken.”

As the automobile became more popular, the demand for open, consistent and properly maintained regional roads became important.

Unfortunately, World War I began and government money and resources were put towards the war effort.

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

6873367

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

6

SDG ROADS

Correspondence received from the Province of Ontario in 1916 explained the provisions of a new highways act preparing municipal governments for a system of county roads. Finally, on October 26, 1916, County Council passed By-Laws 1811 and 1812, designating both rural

SDG ROADS

and village County Roads.

The County Warden, George E. Clark, congratulated Council on the foresight and courage displayed by them in at last grappling with the question of Road improvement, and passing the By-law which would be a matter of

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

historic importance. The County assumed over four hundred miles of Roads and appointed Commissioners to see that they were kept in repair and open for traffic.

In order to qualify for government subsidies, the County needed to appoint a road superintendent.

7

Joseph.G. Cameron, a Civil Engineer from Finch, was hired on February 1, 1917 at the salary of $1,000 per year plus travelling expenses (not to exceed $1,000 / year). Mr. Cameron was charged with giving his entire and undivided time and attention to the maintenance of said roads and streets, and to the construction of such permanent work in the way of culverts, bridges and sectional road improvement. His professional approach and skill to road building was recognized in the 1930’s when he was elected president of the Ontario Good Roads Association.

Due to scarcity of labour and material, the mandate of the County Roads Department was to “keep roads in a state of reasonable repair.”

The Roads and Bridges Committee along with the County Road Superintendent inspected the road system in 1917 and the subsequent report stated that a top width of 25 feet, a bottom width of 40 feet and a width of 66 feet between fences would be necessary to obtain good roads, and that a thorough system of drainage should be mapped out before permanent construction undertaken. Owing to late organization and lack of machinery the work of maintenance was carried out on a very small scale, the chief aim being to keep the roads in a passable condition. The County Road Superintendent proposed to map out a slightly more elaborate plan of maintenance, by widening out grades, improving the drainage, and getting certain sections of the road in shape. The principle followed in making the survey was to obtain information at every 100 feet, showing the width of the road allowance, width of present grade, nature of the foundation, location of poles, elevations of the centre of the road and proposed ditches. Together with this information the location of all drainage outlets was obtained with the size of required culvert or bridge.

The organization of maintenance workers consisted of twelve overseers each having approximately 30 miles of road to look after. Each division of the system under the supervision of an overseer was divided into sections of about two miles with a patrolman for each section. The duty of the patrolman in the summer was to make minor repairs to his section of road such as fixing culverts and bridges, holes in the road, removing brush and other obstacles that might cause snow to drift and any other work that required immediate attention. In the winter it was his duty to turn out after every snow storm and break the roads and see that they are kept in passable condition. The Overseer’s duty was to see that the patrolmen attended to their respective sections and to organize and carry out the more extensive work of maintenance in his district.

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

8

SDG ROADS

This group of men resulted in a central organization almost constantly in touch with the County Highway System.

Various methods of keeping snow roads open were in use and men doing the work were urged to adopt the best method or invent a better one. Some of the methods included the ordinary walking plow attached to a sleigh and a board arranged to shove the snow well out towards the ditches, the patent snow plow which cut out the two tracks at once, the road drag which shoved the snow to the sides and kept it packed, and the ordinary farm roller which was used in some places

SDG ROADS

to pack the snow.

As time went on, the management of the road system became more sophisticated and the machinery used to construct and maintain the road network improved. Mr. Cameron enjoyed a 45-year career at the County and oversaw a significant amount of change during this time. From horses to cars to house-movers, there was a massive amount of industrialization and change, the success of which depended on a reliable and efficient County road network. Mr. Cameron retired on October 1, 1962.

Mr. Ferguson was hired as the second County

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

Engineer in late 1962. Although Mr. Ferguson was only with the County for 10 years, his work continues to impact the County Road system today.

Bridges form a major part of any road system. Without them, it doesn’t matter how good the roads are because people and goods cannot move. Prior to about 1950, the design standard for bridges was a “15 ton truck”.

Mr. Ferguson recognized that bridges were a major part of the road system and identified that many County structures were inadequate in size and strength. The “20 ton truck” had become the norm, so the older County bridges were being stressed and required major work.

9

With Mr. Ferguson’s guidance, SDG took advantage of a number of upper government programs for bridge work.

Many of the bridges constructed by Mr. Ferguson are still in use today.

The SDG Road system has been about 700 km for most of its existence. Originally it was set up with 12 small garages and one major depot and repair facility.

As a way to improve efficiencies, in 1968 Mr. Ferguson rationalized the former County Patrol garages by consolidating the 12 satellite garages into four depots (in Winchester Springs, Finch, Green Valley and St. Andrew’s West.). These four shops exist to this day.

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

SDG ROADS

OF STORMONT, DUNDAS & GLENGARRY

JOSEPH G. CAMERON (1916-1962)

J.G. Cameron was the first County Road Superintendent for SDG. It is because of his vision and conviction that road reform within the County took place. During his 45 year career at the Counties he was instrumental in laying the groundwork for our modern County-wide road network.

alan r. ferguson (1962-1972)

Mr. Ferguson was hired as the second County Engineer in 1962. His time with SDG involved a significant amount of road and bridge construction. Although Mr. Ferguson was only with the Counties for 10 years, his work continues to impact the County Road System today.

The Advisory Roads Committee adopted The following scale of wages for 1923: Construction foremen 50¢ per hour Roller men and engineers 50¢ per hour

D.J. McDonald oversaw the digital modernization of the Department as well as its transition from ‘road construction’ to ‘infrastructure asset management’. He steered the Department through the major changes that came with the Provincial Highway transfers of the late 1990s and was a firm believer in trying new technology to make the Department’s work more efficient and effective. At the end of his career, Mr. McDonald was honoured by the Ontario Good Roads Association with a lifetime membership for his tireless devotion to educating other road professionals.

Benjamin de Haan (2009-present)

Benjamin de Haan became the fourth County Engineer in August 2009. For the last seven years, there have been significant staffing changes in the department, including the merger with the former Planning Department, creating Transportation and Planning Services. Mr. de Haan has focused the Department’s efforts on long term asset management planning in order to ensure the road system continues to be among the best in Ontario when handed down to the next County Engineer.

(613) 932-6571 www.cornwallgravel.ca

Construction straw boss 35¢ per hour Maintenance foreman 35¢ per hour Special labor 30 to 35¢ per hour Labor 25¢ per hour

DONALD J. Mcdonald (1972-2009)

and we’re happy to have had a small part in it.

Teams 50¢ per hour Tractors including driver, gas, oil, etc. $1.25 per hour

Patrolmen 25¢ per hour Overseers 35¢ per hour Inspectors 30¢ per hour

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

6873366

COU NTY ENG I N E E R S

Congratulations on 100 years

Highway 407 East / Brock Road interchange connection

An acknowledged leader in private and Public-Private Partnership project delivery. WSP has been helping communities connect and stay connected for over 50 years.

6873548

10

370+

560+

860+

Bridge Design and Delivery Professionals across Canada

Highway and Roads Specialists

Transportation Professionals in Ontario

ENGINEERING A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES

wspgroup.ca

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

12

SDG ROADS

SDG ROADS

what is a county road?

BACKGROUND

13

int o the mod ern era

D.J. McDonald (former SDG County Engineer)

County roads form the secondary highway network.

County Roads are selected from existing roads and along make the shortest route possible meet certain criteria.

General criteria common to most County roads are that they: • Carry more than ‘local’ traffic • Join towns, villages and hamlets • Parallel barriers to traffic such as rivers and freeways • Provide service close to quarries/ tourist areas/ industrial areas • Provide a grid sized according to population densities In SDG there are three classes of roads: Provincial highways, County roads and Township roads. Provincial highways are owned by the Provincial Government and are under the complete control of the Ministry of Transportation. County roads are owned and controlled by the United Counties, and Township roads are owned and controlled by the Municipality in which they are located. Provincial Highways are laid out to connect the large centres of population, located so as to carry, principally, through traffic. County roads form a network connecting all the centres of population within a region and providing efficient links to the Provincial Highway system.

The remaining roads, which are municipal roads, serve

as the residential roads and connect residential and farm driveways to the regional (or provincial) road network.

Traffic on local roads is almost entirely traffic originating within the township. On county roads the traffic is intertownship and inter-county, while the traffic on provincial highways is a combination of local, inter-township, intercounty, inter-city, inter-provincial and international.

A roAd WELL trAvELEd dESErvES A ford

S.G. WELLS

Highway 2, Ingleside | 613-537-2287 www.sgwellsford.com

16 Pine St., P.O. Box 414, Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0 Tel.: 613-347-2667 • viauexcavation@bell.net “Family run business since 1974”

6873547

Patrick Viau

The management and operation of the County Road System changed significantly between 1972 to 2009. This period brought the County Road system into the modern era.

For most of their existence, the Province considered County Roads as the Secondary Highway System of southern Ontario (there were 36 counties managing road systems). The Highway Traffic Act enshrined the importance of professional oversight and required the County Road System to be administered and managed by a Professional Engineer. Standards, expenditures and practices were examined, approved and audited regularly, and in detail.

The 1960’s and early ‘70’s were a time of construction.

Money was made available from the Province for building, and County Roads benefitted. During this time, SDG was constructing five to six major roads a year and repairing and replacing bridges on demand.

With the construction of this new infrastructure, it became important to have a good understanding of the condition of the road system. In 1970 a Road Needs Study was completed. This 1970 Road Needs Study formed

the basis of funding for the County Road system over the next 25 years. The study itself identified as many defects in SDG’s roads as possible, and were used to justify a proper share of funds being allocated by the Province. At the time, these funds were referred to as ‘subsidies’, and made up approximately 80% of approved expenditures of the Department.

As subsidies were provided to the County, regular updates on the condition of the roads and actual costs for construction and materials were completed to ensure that the Provincial subsidies the County was receiving were in-line with the County’s financial needs. As the 1970’s progressed, the Province began experiencing money problems and was looking to reduce costs. Funding targets were lowered and processes were reduced and streamlined.

With the squeeze in capital funding, ‘keeping what the County had’ became the aim of the Department. The Province’s funding model recognized the importance of ‘asset management’, and included these types of activities in their subsidies. SDG took advantage of this initiative and became a leader in the ‘asset management’ game

6873545

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

14

SDG ROADS

SDG ROADS

15

The Highway Traffic Act enshrined the importance of professional oversight and required the County Road System to be administered and managed by a Professional Engineer.

6873391

Happy to help keep your roads smooth for 2 generations

staff also benefited from technological improvements between 1970-2009.

Cold-patch materials went from sticky old asphalt to a specially formulated product which is extremely durable and long-lasting. In the 1970s hand patch used to last about two days before it needed to be replaced; whereas the material used in 2009 lasted as long as the virgin asphalt surrounding the hole. Although the new cold-patch would cost at least twice as much as the old stuff, it lasted more than twice as long and

contained 750 centreline km and still required (by law) various Provincial approvals. By 2000, funding was entirely property tax based and the road system was 1,000 km long thanks to Provincial transfers of former highways, and the Province relied on other legislation to assure that works were properly designed and undertaken.

the County was able to save the time and labour by not having to go out and re-fix a hole.

Technology also impacted staff. In the 1970’s, there were approximately 55 employees within the Roads Department. By 2000, only 35 staff were needed to manage and maintain the County Road system.

The major change bringing the County Road System into modern times was the 1995-1999 cutting of the Provincial tether. In the 70’s the SDG road system had been subsidized as high as 80% of approved expenditures,

Specializing in ReSidential, commeRcial and induStRial • Parking Lot • Asphalt Reinstatement • Driveway • Road Repair • Truck Hauling • Grading Services

W here Ontario Began Congratulations on 100 Years

17426 Gravel Hill Rd. Monkland, ON K0C 1V0 +1 (613) 551-6332 • +1 (613) 346-5001 info@levacpaving.ca • levacpaving.ca

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

We specialize in

Septic SyStemS. From design to installation …we do it all!

Dump Trucks • Excavator • Dozer • Backhoe

All Machinery Laser Equipped.

Troy or Lloyd McMillan

Office: 613-652-4649 Fax: 613-652-1838 5733 Carman Rd., Box 439, Iroquois, ON Email: Lloyd@mcmillanequipment.com or troy@mcmillanequipment.com

M.O.E. Approved Spill Cleanups of solid non-hazardous

Proudly Servicing Eastern Ontario for 40 years!

Kubota Gas Zero-Turn Mowers

6873371

• Sand • Gravel • Topsoil • Fill • River Rock • Natural Stone –––––––––– • Truck Rental • Demolition • MOE Licenced for Contaminate

* Limited time offer.

See your dealer for details.

Jean-Marc VIAU Established 1973

6873374

were inefficient and slow. Sand and salt spreading was done with stand alone single axle trucks. During major storms, plow operators could be working non-stop for many days in a row, only stopping for short rests in between runs.

By 2009, all the plowing was done with driver-only combination tandem axle diesel plow-spreaders. Today’s units have the power, capacity and range to create a bare pavement service standard.

The day-to-day materials used by

6873393

– resurfacing many kilometers of roads while other jurisdictions fought over the few capital dollars available.

Today, each Municipality in Ontario has a formal asset management plan.

Technology also started to influence how the Department operated. The primary form of correspondence in the 1970’s was through letters. The introduction of fax machines provided the Department with a quick and efficient way to communicate and was seen as a technological breakthrough!

By 2009, most written correspondence from the Department was provided through e-mail. Cell phones changed the way the Department did business, as they eliminated the need for CB radios and hand written notes to staff.

Accurate and highly detailed satellite and aerial imagery started to make the need to ‘go visit a site’ redundant.

Technology also impacted how the County maintained the roads themselves. In the 70’s, snow plowing was a two-man operation and was done using single axle gasoline-powered plows. Graders were also used to clear County Roads - although effective, these machines

11 Monk St., PO Box 272 Lancaster Office: 613-347-2191 Gilles_viau83@hotmail.com

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

16

SDG ROADS

SDG ROADS

I C E ST O R M 1998

D.J. McDonald (former SDG County Engineer)

for heat and showers. Goods were being delivered to local stores and labour and materials were moving on the roads.

the end of the storm that day and the County Roads were passable. Heavier branches began to fall periodically throughout that night.

as 24 hours. On Monday night, tree branches began to fall along with the rain.

january 6 The crews in the east were out at midnight and crews in the west started at 4:00 in the morning. School buses were again cancelled, but the roads were still passable for those who had to work. The rain let-up part way through the day, and the total accumulation was about 10mm. By this time, the Roads crew believed that were finally ahead of the storm and went home at the normal time. The The storm started on the night of power went out for a few hours but Sunday, January 4th, 1998. All of the came back on for most people. County County patrols had sent the trucks out drivers had been out for as long as early Sunday morning in anticipation 15 hours that day and the forecast of the storm, but school buses still for Wednesday was more rain. The ended up being cancelled for the accumulated ice on the trees at this first day back after Christmas break. point was causing branches to fall

By Monday morning, there was an continuously throughout that night. accumulation of ice on tree branches and car windshields. Considering the weather, the County roads were still quite passable and although many activities in the area were cancelled, there were still some that were not.

By the end of the day on Monday, January 5th, 25mm of rain had fallen and the weather prediction for the next day was not much different. Plow drivers had already worked as much

Start of the Storm

17

january 7 Wednesday was the worst day of the storm. Offices were closing early and people started to gather emergency items such as flashlights and nonperishable food items. More areas were losing power and that affected the ability of the plows to get fuel.

Although the shops in Winchester Springs, Finch, St. Andrews and Green Valley had fueling facilities, the power outages forced staff to refuel anywhere that had power. Things were getting so desperate that some plows flagged down furnace oil trucks and filled up right on the side of the road. Clearing the roads was becoming harder due to low wires and downed trees and drivers were reporting that the trucks were hitting wires with the cab shields.

Drivers were working up to 17 hours

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

january 8

Throughout the storm, ice had built up (up to 200 mm) on the road shoulders.

The roads were narrowing in, which was making meeting oncoming traffic dangerous. The ice build-up on the shoulders also trapped water on the road, making them very slippery.

Finally the storm was over. On Saturday the rain had finally stopped.

The trucks continued all Wednesday Plows were out clearing what the storm night into Thursday. Progress was had left behind and the government slowed because of downed wires, was arriving with aid. By Sunday the broken hydro poles and trees covering crews had cleared the roads enough the roads. By Thursday states of that travel was not a problem. The emergency were being declared. military came to help and power The County crews continued to was beginning to come back on. operate, and each driver continued Although much of the countryside to plow their route with care and was still experiencing a great amount pride. The ice build up had a great of inconvenience, and in some cases impact on communications. Drivers hardship, none of it was due to lack of were forced to work with very little ground transportation. instruction because communication from the trucks to the office was extremely limited. The plows had to get off the road at dark for safety reasons since many electrical wires were at windshield height. The break Thursday night gave the County drivers an opportunity to get some must needed and well deserved rest.

The City of Cornwall lost all electrical power.

january 9

All patrols had lost power at some point during the storm and some for many days after. The Green Valley Patrol Friday proved to be better than the day was out of power for 21 days because before. It was raining, but not as hard. Ontario Hydro hadn’t deemed it “high There were a vast amount of lines and priority”. Sending a FAX to Ontario poles down, and it resulted in trucks Hydro proved to be the solution and having to detour and backtrack to get power was on shortly after. around their assigned routes. The rain eased up during the day and crews During the storm, the county received managed to keep up with the storm. help from the military and from With the roads relatively cleared, it Wellington County. These folks allowed County residents to go to and helped to clear branches, poles and from friends and relatives in Cornwall wires. The County also rented five

graders to aid in the cleanup process.

The rest of the cleanup of trees and brush would take the roads crew over two months. The cost incurred by the County Roads Department for the five days of rain was estimated to be over $1,125,000. The average winter cost was $1,650,000 at the time.

Although the Ice Storm caused a fair amount of damage to the Counties, by the end of it, it had left a great sense of pride within the Roads Department.

“They all got to their jobsites on roads.

People were able to get to town to shop for essentials, visit friends, work, seek heat and food on roads.

These roads were kept clear and often bare by minimal work crews working long dangerous hours often with old equipment.”

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

18

SDG ROADS

SDG ROADS

19

LOO KIN G T O THE FUTURE

The most significant change over time is the technology that the County uses to manage the road system.

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

By Benjamin de Haan, P.Eng

Being the fourth County Engineer in the County’s history is both an honour and privilege. The previous County Engineers were all highly regarded by their peers across Ontario, and, it is never lost on me that I have been left with some very big steel-toed boots to fill. Thanks to the stewardship of those that worked before me, it can be said that SDG’s roads are now the envy of many Counties in Ontario. SDG is blessed with wide, safe and relatively well-built roads, modern and well-maintained equipment and staff who are proud and dedicated to keeping County roads safe.

Although there has been significant change over the past 100 years, it is remarkable to see the cyclical nature of how the road system is managed.

Asset Management is today’s buzz word, yet this concept has been the motto of this Department since the first day that the County had roads.

The lack of money during World War I required J.G. Cameron to focus his efforts on maintaining his good roads, the Provincial funding scheme of the 70’s and 80’s allowed D.J. McDonald to take advantage of “non-reconstruction” money and today’s financial pressures require the County to “preserve the roads that are in good shape”.

What has changed over time is the technology that the County uses to manage the road system. Computers, cameras, satellites and cellphones allow our Department to monitor work and progress in real time. With the click of a mouse, staff can check to see where

each of our plows are, how fast they are going and how much salt they’ve spread.

With another click, staff can log into the County’s two local weather stations and check precise weather conditions for the region! High definition cameras allow staff to accurately document construction progress, road conditions and deterioration. Satellites are used to complete topographical surveys and provide high quality imagery, and cellphones provide staff with the means to instantly communicate with each other, look up information, inventory the County’s assets or take a photograph.

There is no doubt that technology will continue to influence and impact the work of the Transportation Department,

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

SDG ROADS

6873368

20

which is why it is important that the County remains a leader in this field.

Recent improvements in automation and quality control have provided the County with the ability to ensure that SDG is purchasing and installing long lasting and high quality materials. It is suspected that these advances in quality control will continue and allow the industry to invent even better products for our use. Autonomous vehicles are here to stay, and these vehicles will undoubtedly impact how the County manages its roads in the future.

Every main street through every hamlet in SDG is a County Road, and many of these communities are seeking the County’s support to make their town a better place to live. Another trend that will have a long-ranging

impact on the County road network is the construction of ‘complete streets’.

‘Complete streets’ is a philosophy that ensures that transportation corridors are constructed for everyone with every kind of ability – roads are no longer designed just for cars and trucks. Roundabouts, cyclist facilities, pedestrian paths, crosswalks, storm water management and green spaces are all part of a ‘complete street’ design.

We only need to reflect on the change the roads have experienced over the past 100 years to appreciate what the future holds for this Department. As long as we continue to have forward thinking Councils, dedicated staff and a long term vision; the road ahead remains full of promise.

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

6873395

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

SDG ROADS

Congratulations

to Council & staff on the 100th anniversary of the sD&g County road network Wishing you continued success in your outstanding risk management initiatives

OD E T O THE COUNTIES…

TRUCKING - EQUIPMENT RENTALS Sand – Gravel – Stone – Topsoil P.O. Box 170, FINCH, ON K0C 1K0

100-1550 laperriere avenue, ottawa, ontario K1Z 7t2 613-722-7626

TEL.: 613-984-2363 • FAX: 613-984-2900

Serving clients since 1912

6873546

6873372

www.halpenny.com

Raymond PRovost CaRtage

PICK UP OR DELIVERY

- COMPLETE SITE SERVICES -

Excavators • Bulldozers • Backhoes • Rock Trucks Root Rakes • Land Clearing • Farm Lagoons Pool Water • Sewer & Water Installation

Trucking • Septic Systems Excavation • Estimating Project Management

Licensed Septic System Installer Licensed Hauler of Contaminated Waste

- HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTAL -

Screened Topsoil - Sand - Crushed Stone

Sand, stone, gravel, topsoils, mulch

6873370

BRINSTON • 613-652-4858 (24 HRS.) FAX: 613-652-2510

AUTHOR UNKNOWN c. 1960

1632 County Rd.12 • 1-800-438-9204 Crysler ON, K0A 1R0 info@provostcartage.ca 6873544

613-987-2118

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

The counties were formed many years ago, The future looks bright for the men we know Put now alas, the future is nil As they push the old man over the hill.

From back in the ashburn, and down to Delkeith; While Ralph just shakes and says, “Hee, Hee.”

Let us go back to when it all began, It took horses, sledges, and brawny men.

Cow paths to highways, a buggy to a car, Joe Cameron has done it both near and far.

Heasley the owner of C.S.R., This year a truck, last year a car: Up and down the roads, over and over again, He’s keeping watch over Byron, Vince and Yen. The other patrols you know them too, There’s Joe, George, Freddie and Hugh.

And then up west, there’s Rae and Lorne, Every day they work, a new job is born.

Roy has been here since he was a lad Remember the times he used to say, (It was so very sad) You heard it everywhere, wherever he would roam, Those very famous words “Take your dinner pail and go home.”

A man named Ferguson is now in command, With knowledge and youth, he is high in demand.

With decisions and blame, alone he is left.

Look at the work being done, he’s one of the best.

Our new foreman is a man called Carl When addresses or orders, he never snarls.

Always the same both day and night, The public thinks he’s very polite.

Equipment Rentals and Contracting

23

George Luman is busy, he’s here and he’s gone, He has two good assistants called Bryson and John.

They all build roads from east to west While Ferguson supervises to see they are the best.

There’s Lynden in Cornwall his secretary too.

Not married, but girls he has quite a few, Always happy, no wonder he’s white.

The reports we send to him are quite a fright.

Big Hugh is here with Russell and Ralph, When Russ tells a joke, you should hear Hugh laugh.

Then down to Earl and Russ, under Don Kyle, And then comes Ernie, and his foreman Lyle.

The roads are good, when you drive you can tell, They took an example from John Brownell.

If water is your problem, and has no place to go, Give Lawrence a call, he will see it flow.

With Rheal at the wheel of truck fifty-two The job will be done as quick as a crew.

Some trucks are driven by Glen, Cecil and Keith, They do a good job to say the least.

When the long day is through, they go at the hay, And then all winter for snow they pray.

Truck thirty-four is run by Hill Shaver He says he’s doing the Counties a favour.

While he’s touring the country, he’s not too kind To leave poor Buster painting the signs.

Fraser runs a grader, they call it P.M. Seven, From driving three it’s like being in heaven.

Jimmie drives four, it’s not up to parr, It does not burn oil, it’s Jimmie’s cigar.

Chelsea too is one of the three, Flip him for a drink, and you get one free.

Shirt’s in a class all alone Because old five is awful forlorn.

Working the loader under labour and strain, The lad on the controls is John McBain.

Willard is driving forty-four in low gear, While the hose is manned

by Donnie StPierre.

The chips are shovelled by Emerson Grant, The reason for this, they have sold the plant.

When the machines break down and we go to the shop, The mechanics come running, with a skip and a hop.

Basil and Lorne with wrenches in hand, They soon go to work with Ellery in command.

Ernie and Roll one hour about, Keep the crusher going without a doubt.

A shovel was hired to fill the bin, While Fred the foreman checks with a grin.

You may travel the roads from east to west, Where you see the County Boys doing their best.

Keep your head up high, and be alert, They are working all over, like Norman and Bert.

Some boys have left us, they were loyal and true, They worked very hard, much longer than you.

Hats off to them and stand erect, Our thoughts are with them, With due respect.

This has covered the boys, the best we know, It seems every week that one must go.

This poem was written now for better for worse, For a few years to come.

Could they be put in one verse?

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016

1

SDG ROADS

! y s a E s ’ It 1. Choose a section of a County Road 2. Agree to pick up garbage on the side of the road at least twice per year (spring/fall) 3. Register by completing the online form at www.sdgcounties.ca Training, supplies and garbage pick-up will be available FREE of charge through the Counties for all residents and service organizations.

New Sponsorship Option There are now opportunities for businesses in SDG to sponsor sections of County Roads. Prime locations limited.

For more information visit www.sdgcounties.ca

100th Anniversary SDG County Road Network | 1916 - 2016