The RM of Hanover has come up with a plan to re-pave Pansy Road, subject to the financial support of residents in that area. Dylan Barkman is the local councillor. He explains the six miles of road from PR 205 south to Pansy have fallen into disrepair.

"It's been paved since the late-1980's and it's actually held up relatively well. Now, in the last couple of years, it's coming to the point where we've got to decide: Are we repairing it or are we going to let it start turning back to gravel?"

Dylan Barkman says this is their one chance to have Pansy Road re-paved.Barkman outlines the plan that Hanover council has come up with.

"It's a big project. It's a long road, It's got a lower traffic count and so that makes it a unique project within Hanover so we need a unique approach. But council has agreed to put some skin in the game. We're looking at a project cost of about $700,000. Council is willing to contribute $200,000, we'll raise private donations in the neighbourhood of $75,000, probably a little more, which will leave $425,000 for the local residents to pay."

Barkman says, for example, a local resident with a home assessed at $300,000 would pay an additional $410 per year on their taxes for ten years to help pay for the paving. He feels that's a pretty good deal.

"We're already spending it on car repairs and so on. People in Pansy know exactly what I'm talking about. And it's not just a benefit for this year or next year. This is a long-term thing. And it's more than just car repairs, it's property values and what not that are going to change as a result of this project."

A public hearing for the plan will be held Wednesday, February 14 at 5 p.m. at the Hanover municipal office. Barkman is urging people to attend to show their support.

"I'm a resident of Pansy myself. This is our chance to have that road re-paved and I would really encourage people, if you're like-minded, that this is our one opportunity, come and speak to it."