The incoming mayor of North Dumfries would like to see some regional roads transferred to the township’s control to speed up solutions for concerned residents. Rod Rolleman, a long-time township councillor who will step into the mayor’s role later this month, points to Northumberland Street as an example, where concerns have been raised about speeding, truck traffic, a lack of pedestrian crossings and lengthy backups when a train is crossing. “We asked for some sort of traffic control, either three way stops or traffic lights, and so far, nothing. So, I sort of feel as a council, we’ve gone as far as we can go with the current setup,” Rolleman said. Rolleman would like to see portions of the road that are currently under the Region of Waterloo’s jurisdiction turned over to the township, allowing the lower tier to make decisions and implement them more efficiently. “If we want a crosswalk, we can put a crosswalk in. We don’t have to go the region and beg them for years and years and years waiting for a crosswalk.” Rolleman would like to see the change made to not only Northumberland Street, but also other areas like Wrigley Road, Clyde Road and Branchton Road. He said it would serve the residents who come to township leaders with concerns involving regional roads. “As a councillor or as mayor, you have to say, ‘Well I’m sorry, that’s the region.’ And I think the residents are tired of that. They want to hear some solutions.” Rolleman said he’s spoken to other incoming mayors in Waterloo Region who have similar concerns about regional roads in their areas, especially ones that go through downtown cores. Rolleman would like to see a policy where those streets are controlled by the lower tier municipality. Rolleman added this is not about taking something away from the regional government, but rather aligning responsibilities in a way that makes sense. “The region is too busy to deal with small roads in the middle of Ayr, so let’s have township council handle it. And the region can focus on the bigger issues, the bigger regional roads that serve the commuters going to [Highway] 401, up at the 401 and 97 for example. “I’d rather see them focus on that and let us focus on this.” In a statement, the Region of Waterloo’s Director of Transportation, Mike Henderson, told CTV News, “The Region recognizes the concerns raised by North Dumfries residents about traffic speeds in rural settlement areas, including on Regional roads.” “The Region is undertaking a Township Traffic Calming Study to develop a consistent, data-informed framework to help match traffic calming solutions to the size, character, and needs of a community. The work will inform future safety improvements across the townships, and recognizes the importance of balancing unique needs across pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, truck routes, street parking and farm equipment,” the statement continued. The statement said the region is working with North Dumfries to address local concerns and more information on next steps is expected in 2027.
