Wingham Sidewalk Shutdown – In Buck & Jo’s Shutdown Attempt North Huron Claims Responsibility For Maintenance Of 20 Feet Adjacent To Every Sidewalk #DontCutYourFrontLawn

The following is a response to a recent email from North Huron to Buck & Jo’s, 235 Josephine St. Wingham.

You continue to refuse to fix the issue causing damage to my building. It must be a misunderstanding that you are refusing to allow me to fix this problem at my expense.

It has been approximately 6 months since our discussions. During this time water has continued to infiltrate my building due to negligence during, and since the “big dig”.

I consider this work “emergency work” and needs to be tended to immediately to mitigate any further damage to my building caused by the water infiltration caused by North Huron.

Due to “j-trim” for siding being embedded into the sidewalk during the “big dig” water is being channeled beneath the sidewalk undermining it. The sidewalk has dropped several inches according to several indicators. This also has the potential for undermining and compromising my building. This is considered an emergency repair. You have made it clear that damage to my building is of the lowest priority, much like all of North Huron’s infrastructure. While you may be content letting the infrastructure you are responsible for rot, I clearly have a higher standard and sense of urgency.

If you are claiming ownership/control/stewardship of the land between my building and the sidewalk, you would also be claiming any liability due to negligence maintaining that land. This precedent you would be setting would make North Huron and staff liable for maintenance etc. for 20 feet adjacent to every sidewalk in North Huron. Some homeowners would love that as their front lawn’s maintenance would then be the responsibility of town staff.

I am sure this is some misunderstanding. If not I look forward to your immediate attention to all the shrubbery, lawn cutting, dog turds, spring raking, snow removal, appropriate grading to stop water infiltration, compensation for damage caused by NH’s negligence, and a public apology.

Work will be proceeding tomorrow to protect my building. If you wish to stop the work and/or accept liability for damage caused by North Huron’s negligence you must show up at 9am.

Buck & Jo

235 Josephine St. Wingham.

North Huron council contact info:

Bernie Bailey: 519) 357-8708

Email: [email protected]

Trevor Seip: 519-357-7759

Email: [email protected]

Paul Heffer: 519-357-3594

Email:[email protected]

Anita Van Hittersum: 519-523-4492

Email: [email protected]

Chris Palmer: 519-357-3385