Councillors agree MP must be at meeting on postal issues
By Bill Rea

Councillor Richard Paterak said a week ago he wants to set up a meeting with all who can offer input on how to maintain rural mail delivery in Caledon.

He still wants such a meeting, but he wants to make sure Dufferin - Caledon MP David Tilson is on hand.

Councillors last week received a presentation on rural mail delivery from representatives of Canada Post.

The issue came up again when council met Tuesday, when Councillor Doug Beffort said he had heard that a super mailbox had been set up at a road intersection with the Caledon Trailway.

Public Works and Engineering Director Craig Campbell confirmed that was true, stating the box has been set up on Centreville Creek Road, and is positioned in such a way that it could block the trail. He also said the Town did not approve of the installation, but added Canada Post wasn't obligated to seek permission.

That didn't match the impression Mayor Marolyn Morrison said she drew from last week's presentation, observing the representatives of the Crown corporation had indicated a willingness to cooperate with the Town. What she was hearing now was "the exact opposite," she remarked.

Campbell agreed, although he pointed out putting such a mailbox in a place like that may or may not be a bad thing. It might be possible to get some parking spaces established in the area, making it a convenient place for people to collect their mail. This could be done with the help of Canada Post.

"I definitely think there needs to be a partnership," Morrison remarked.

Paterak stressed the need for meeting, and including the involvement of outside parties, like police, and Sandhill disposal, which has trucks making the rounds along the rural roads, stopping frequently in the process.

He added he's been told by people at Sandhill that right-side drive vehicles are very safe. Accidents are few, and usually occur in subdivisions, where drivers whip around corners, not expecting to encounter trucks.

Paterak stressed the need to have Tilson present, adding he hoped a date for such a meeting could be announced in the next week.

Councillor Richard Whitehead agreed it's important for Tilson to be on hand at the meeting, as opposed to just having a representative of his office.

"Politicians like to dodge the bullet by saying it's a Crown corporation," he observed.

He added it's important to get Tilson involved, and not have it seem to be a matter between the Town and Canada Post, because Canada Post doesn't seem to be listening.

One of the reasons cited for cutting back on rural route delivery is the safety of the carriers. But Beffort said he's heard some of the vehicles they're driving have safety issues, and had learned of one case where police took the car off the road. He wondered if safety was really the issue.

Councillor Allan Thompson pointed out Tilson has championed this issue in the past, recalling he saw him in televised hearings berating Canada Post President and CEO Moya Greene.

Councillor Annette Groves agreed Tilson needs to be there. "I think this is where he can really make a difference," she remarked.