Pabst's horse motion clears council jump
By Bill Rea

Councillor Linda Pabst encountered little trouble last week getting her colleagues to support having signs placed advising motorists to beware of horses along local roads.

Pabst had raised the issue at a previous meeting, pointing out King is considered to be horse country, and horses being driven or ridden along the roads is a common sight. But she warned horses can become frightened or move unpredictably, creating problems for drivers who might not be aware they're just around a corner or over a rise.

Pabst told Councillor Jack Rupke she didn't think posting these signs will increase ridership on the roads. She figured those who ride on the roads now will continue, and those who don't aren't likely to start. She did say this will help promote King as an equine community, adding there are similar signs posted in areas of nearby Caledon.

"I see this as an awareness issue," commented Councillor Bill Cober, who pointed out there are signs posted on roads in the Holland Marsh, warning drivers of slow-moving farm vehicles.

Pabst had also indicated such signs would be informative for tourists. Councillor Cleve Mortelliti wasn't aware that horse farms are tourist attractions. They aren't, Pabst said, but she observed there are motorists who drive slowly along some roads just to watch young horses in the fields. She also didn't think the signs would attract many more tourists

Mortelliti agreed the signs might enhance the image of the area.

Rupke said he had recently received a call from a farmer in his ward, complaining because four horses got into his field and were eating his carrots. Rupke suggested there be no such signs near this property.

"I totally approve of this motion," Councillor Jane Underhill commented, adding it would help keep King rural.