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3| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,D ecem ber 7,2017 theifp.ca that goes through Acton and then through George- town is leased out to Goder- ich Exeter Rail (GEXR), and just recently to Metro- linx," said town spokes- person, Alexandra Fuller, in an email response. "The Canadian National is responsible for track maintenance and basically they march by the beat of their own drum as they are the higher authority when it comes to road crossings. "The town's history with getting repairs done by the rail authority is that things typically take at least a year, following con- stant requests," added Full- er. The most concerning example identified during the budget committee meeting was the crossing located at Mill Street and Eastern Avenue in Acton. According to Mayor Rick Bonnette, repairs were undertaken at least two years ago but were nev- er completed. "The tracks have been in poor shape for years. They attempted to repair them a few years ago but truly did a poor job. It is terrible for cars and motorcycles to drive over them. Many cars driving westbound drive closer to the unprotected sidewalks, which is a safety issue for pedestrians," he said. At the time, staff noted pedestrians - especially those with mobility con- cerns - were having a diffi- cult time navigating the crossing. Safety concerns relat- ing to cyclist and motorcy- cle riders were also identi- fied - and according to the town still remain. An on-site meeting with GEXR and Metrolinx was held and repairs were eventually undertaken, with the town footing the bill for the required as- phalt work. "After the repairs were complete the tracks still had a sharp bump to them and it was explained to town staff that Metrolinx insisted that one set of the tracks stay in tack for a few months until they no lon- ger needed it, and then they would remove it and take care of the restoration at that time," said Fuller. "It has been (more than) two years now and that track still remains with the bump to it." As a result of the rail au- thorities' lack of urgency and ultimate control over the situation, neither staff nor council are able to plan for or provide any indica- tion of when residents can expect the work to finally be completed, or when is- sues at other crossings might finally be addressed. "This very frustrating for the ward councillors and myself," said Mayor Bonnette. NEWS l Continued from page 1 Repairs done only after a lot of nagging: town Town of Halton Hills says it has had longstanding issues getting railroad authority crews out to repair crossings. Metroland file photo An author has won the coveted 2017 John Kenneth Galbraith Literary Award. Bruce Madole, a well- known songwriter and au- thor, won the honour for his short story, How to make a BLT. The winning story was one of two Madole placed in the finalist list. In 2015, he was a semifinalist. "I was totally pleased, and surprised, to hear that I'd won," Madole said. "De- spite having decent odds, with two finalist stories, I had very nearly talked my- self out of believing it was possible. The winning sto- ry, in fact, was one that I stumbled upon while cleaning up my desk. I hadn't even typed it up yet, more than a year later. However, my wife believed in the story, and insisted it was the winner, so I en- tered it. And that's how it turned out." The John Kenneth Gal- braith Literary Award was established by the famed Canadian economist's fam- ily to reward one Canadian author each year, in ho- nour of Galbraith's love of literature. Galbraith authored more than 48 books includ- ing several novels, and over a thousand articles and essays. Madole has three novels in the humorous crime genre under his belt and is currently working on his fourth. The former journalist describes his winning sto- ry as a 3,500-word crime story that practically "wrote itself." Madole received a $2,000 cash prize and a pewter medallion at a ceremony held in Dutton-Dunwich, Ont., Galbraith's home- town. For more information visit www.brucemadole- .com. WHAT'S ON Author wins the Kenneth Galbraith Literary Award RADHIKA PANJWANI rpanjwani@thebramptonguar- dian.com Please keep our community clean! Like us on Facebook Like us on Facebook 82 Main St. N. Georgetown 905-873-6127 82 M i S N G Bratin Auto Honest, Reliable Service Since 1989 Free Local Shuttle Service www.bratinauto.com It's time to Change Your Snow Tires COMPLIMENTARY TOWING - ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE* 120717 OIL CHANGE & 30 POINT INSPECTION $4995* Additional $20.00 off in store on purchase of a set of 4 tires Take advantage of manufacturers' mail in rebates, up to $100.00 on set of 4. Other brands also available. *Most Vehicles