Ayer’s Cliff Council convenes for monthly public meeting
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Ayer’s Cliff town council met on Oct. 7 in the basement of Saint-Barthélemy Church to address a range of issues, including a petition to change the speed limit on Brown’s Hill, concerns about environmental regulations related to a local heronry, and requests for urban planning variances. Presided over by Mayor Simon Roy, the meeting allowed citizens to voice their concerns while council members debated potential solutions. Roughly 20 residents were in attendance.
Speed limit concerns on Brown’s Hill
A petition from residents requesting a change to the speed limit on Brown’s Hill dominated part of the discussion. Local citizens raised concerns that the current 50 km/h limit was impractical for the rural, hilly area, especially during the winter months when trucks and vehicles need momentum to ascend the incline.
One of the residents behind the petition spoke at length about the difficulties caused by the low speed limit, particularly for agricultural vehicles. “It’s not because we don’t like driving at 50, but going down the hill, we’re on the brakes the whole time,” she said. “In the winter, just to get enough momentum to climb the hill at 50 is often a challenge.”
She further noted that many sections of the road had clear visibility and minimal residential entry points, which made the 50 km/h limit seem unnecessary. “There is no danger, no hidden entrances. It makes no sense to have it at 50,” she explained. According to her, the speed limit had previously been 80 km/h, and residents believe that 70 km/h would be a more suitable compromise.
Mayor Roy acknowledged the petition and assured attendees that the council would refer the issue to the administrative team and the Ministry of Transport for further evaluation. “We’ll make sure to verify the reasoning behind the current limit and see if adjustments can be made,” he said, emphasizing that such decisions require careful assessment of safety and practicality.
