By Emily Stonehouse

With increased foot traffic along Highland Street, Dysart staff have been looking at ways to mitigate risk.

At its December 9, 2025 meeting, council resolved to obtain engineering fees for the rehabilitation of Highland Street from York Street westerly to Gelert Road, with a provision for a pedestrian crossover (PXO) at 126 Highland, which houses the Hook, Line and Sinker restaurant.

Staff received costing for full rehabilitation, including design, geotechnical and tendering services for $34,000 plus applicable HST. With this price point, Rob Camelon, the director of public works, advised to not move ahead with the project in its entirety. “I’m not sure there’s any indication that that work is going to move ahead in the next couple of years,” he said. “And I’m not sure you want to spend money on the engineering in case the incoming council, it’s not a priority for them.”

Instead, he has pulled out one small part which he identified as as priority: the PXO, at a cost of $9,500 plus applicable HST.

“That’s a terrible piece of road coming into town,” said Dysart Mayor Murray Fearrey, asking when the section is up for replacement.

“It’s certainly showing its age,” said Camelong. “But it’s going to be a big ticket item.” Camelon suggested upwards of $700,000 to replace that section of roadway.

“It’s an embarrassment coming into a tourist town with a road like that,” said Fearrey. “I think we’ve gotta do it. It’s not much different than the sidewalks.”

“It’s been patch on patch the past few years,” agreed Camelon.

“That’s a terrible solution,” said Fearrey.

Council agreed to move ahead with the crossover at 126 Highland Street, with further information about the costs associated with the project coming forward as they become available.