Kincardine council has approved a new policy for the Mystic Cove gate.
The gate will be open from December 1 through February 28 on an annual basis, to allow for use of the road as an alternate route during inclement weather.
Director of Infrastructure & Development Adam Weishar explained the date range was best because it’s when most bad winter weather events happen, as proven by the past several winter seasons.
Mystic Cove is used as an alternate route when Highway 23 is closed due to weather.
“[It] will allow people to still get through in a potentially safer environment, and would negate the need for us to deploy staff to make that gate function.”
Council also discussed options during their meeting on July 14th as to whether the gate should be open for a portion of each winter, or if the municipality would keep their previous approach of only opening the gate when it was absolutely necessary.
That was an option that would have potentially put staff in danger to get to the gate during snow storms.
It could also cause further delays for local residents from travelling home, as well as delays for emergency services that would also need access.
Weishar says that keeping the road open also helps with the movement of Bruce Power staff to get to and from site, regardless of weather conditions.
“It would still allow them to get their traffic in and out for their workforce during periods when the road is open.”
Council agreed with the staff recommendation, which was decided on after public consultations.