[All] Quick update re: Strasburg Road extention

[Louisette Lanteigne]

Hi folks

Went to the open house and observed some questionable issues regarding this public planning process.

This evening was stage 3 of a 5 part Class EA schedule C process but the only chart posted showed a 4 stage approach with absolutely no data regarding when the public can initiate a Part II order request. Without a reasonable chart to outline protocol for the Class EA Schedule C process it makes it difficult for the public to effectively engage in the process. Technically a Part II order request for a ministry review by the MOE can be initiated at Stage 4. We're not there yet.

The public was provided with four proposals on roadways. One proposal known as W1 is being absolutely discouraged by city staff due to ecological constraints and the city seems to be showing preference for creating a combination of the E3 and E4 road designs which still encroach upon sensitive features in the area.  The roadway will basically cut through Prime Farmland and public properties in vicinity  of provincially significant wetlands on the West side of the country side line over top primary recharge areas in the vicinity of Protected habitat areas. A petition was being circulated that gathered approx. 40- 60 names in protest of the designs. 

There are confirmed Jefferson Salamanders in the area however no habitat delineation maps were provided. The Kitchener city planners involved stated this was due to the fact the MNR only had a draft map delineating habitat which they've been working with but and until the habitat map is finalized by the MNR, the MNR  does not wish to release it to the public.  I voiced concerns that without that finalized map, this entire planning exercise is premature. How can the city expect the public to pick the best design in absence of that critical information?  How are we to effectively participate in a public process if we don't have reasonable evidence to show the roads are in compliance to the Endangered Species Act, the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the PPS sections 2.1 to 2.6? 

The aerial shots of the area were strategically done in a manner that excluded the visual on roadways to the East and West running parallel to the proposed new road. It was not possible to determine from the maps provided,  if road widening of existing roadways could suffice to replace the need for this new road extension. Instead of working on the ENTIRE road extension, the project was divided into two parts, the northern route and the southern route. Tonight's workshop only focused on the roadway to the south from New Dundee to Stauffer and another open house will be held to address the northern part of the route later this fall. 

From speaking with staff they appear to think there is room to grandfather the Endangered Species Act. I've notified them of what Gail Jackson, Senior MNR policy adviser stated to me via the feedback I provided them this evening as seen in the attachments.

All in all, I don't support building a roadway in this area at all.  The city is spinning that it will reduce commute times but like Hidden Valley, the benefits will quickly be lost with the continual growth expected to occur in our region. There are just way to much constraints adversely impacted by all the proposed designs. I'd support exploring options to widen existing roadways to the east or west, but not new roads through here. 

Lulu
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