Starting in 2013 and through another two phases in 2017 and 2019 the association installed a total of 1,590 linear metres of ‘painted’ asphalt, layers of fine stone and liquid bitumen applied cold. This surface has not proved to be as durable as we expected, as the many potholes indicate, and has required constant reapplication by a very unreliable contractor. In July 2021 we decided to forgo this method for a thicker (5cm/2in) hot asphalt mixture, a compound mixed at high temperature, so that it adheres to the granules and becomes a solid mass when placed and compacted and hardens on cooling, similar to that used on roads. Unfortunately, this difference in labour and materials is more costly.

We are not adding additional asphalt to existing lastre surfaces, and we are not making unnecessary improvements. The focus is just on repairing and replacing the painted surface with the more durable hot asphalt and preventative repairs to weak sections. Over time we will have more and more “new” surface. We expect this new surface to last longer and over time require less frequent repairs. The contractor has done a detailed study of the road and created a list of areas that need treatment and identified those that require attention immediately. This new process will have to be budgeted for and take place over a number of years. 

It is important to attend to the critical areas as soon as possible since the water seeps under the existing layers, creates more damage, and even the newly installed thick asphalt can deteriorate. We cannot start until we have received sufficient funds. 

We have had two recent landslides near the monkey refuge. We mitigated the initial slide at a cost of $16,200, which exhausted our emergency fund. Subsequently, there was a secondary slide adjacent to the initial one. An engineering assessment indicates we would have lost the road had the mitigation step not been taken.

This secondary slide represents a safety and access issue. Permanent mitigation of this slide may require a $150,000 expense to build a gabion wall. In the meantime, we are widening the road in this area to avoid traffic on the downhill side, thereby minimizing the destabilizing effect of traffic in the area. In parallel, we are putting pressure on the Municipality to fund and execute the structural repairs with the construction of a gabion wall. We are not optimistic; however, we feel strongly such major projects should fall under the domain of the Municipality.

In order to fund this road widening, we had an appeal for early road contributions for fiscal 2023 fees. As of July 1, 2022, we had received contributions from 26 quick responders for which we are really appreciative. That is only about 1/3 of potential contributions. We look forward to the other 2/3 very soon. That revenue, being fees for the next fiscal year, is not accounted for in the year just ended, fiscal 2022. Likewise, the $21,000 expense of the road widening will be accounted for in fiscal 2023 to match revenue and expenses in the same accounting year.

​

As a reminder, LHCA maintains the hill’s principal arterial roads. These include the continuous asphalt from before the guard caseta to the EE “T” junction at the top of the hill and four segments of lastre: (1) the entrance to the hill road from 160; (2) the main hill on section F; (3) from the “T” to Tierra Magnifica and (4) from the “T” to the cell tower. Abutting neighbors are responsible for other sections, “side streets” and private islands of asphalt.