Ever since Handel and Elizabeth Matthews moved into their home on Chappell Court in Innisfil, they've had a problem.
A seven metre tall problem.
They love the neighbourhood. It’s a quiet dead-end street, with plenty of trees and beautifully-kept homes. But there, at the end of their driveway – in fact, forcing the driveway to angle inwards – is a street light.
It makes it difficult to use the parking space closest to the front door.
“In the winter, to try to back out – you can’t. It’s stressful,” said Elizabeth.
The placement of the pole has also made it impossible to extend the walk that runs beside the driveway.
The Matthews have asked that the pole be moved about a meter and a half to the east, to make it easier to get in and out of the driveway.
The builder, Maple Lane Homes, has expressed a willingness to move the pole – “but it’s the city that won’t let him,” Elizabeth said.
They contacted the previous mayor, and have spoken with planning, only to be told, “This is where it’s designed to be.”
It’s not a busy street. There’s not a lot of traffic. A shift of a metre or so won’t greatly alter the illumination of the cul-de-sac, and they have been told that there is sufficient wiring in place to move the pole.
But so far, the answer has been no – leaving them wondering, Why?
“It’s not something outrageous we’re asking for,” said Elizabeth. Just something to make it easier for the Matthews and their two sons to get in and out of their driveway, without worrying about a seven metre tall pole in the way.
