[All] River Road Extension/Hidden Valley update

[Lanteigne]

Hi Everyone

The Region already put out the bid and secured a firm to build the River Road Extension project. The bid and tender info are online here: 

https://regionofwaterloo.bidsandtenders.ca/Module/Tenders/en/Tender/Detail/2c40c22c-50c6-431e-a5b2-f42c6b4d9b38
Word is, there is signage now posted on Webster Street going from Bleams to Manitou. The has been tree clearing taking place, some work happening in the area and also concerns for how this will impact Snider's creek.
Is there a deforestation management program in place? Can we secure a copy of that? 

Concerns for Leatherwood in this area as well. Hidden Valley is home to a very wide diversity of of endangered plants, animals, bird and aquatic species. 

Covid 19 has clearly reduced people's needs to commute overall. The area Universities and schools are functioning online and there is an obvious reduced traffic flow throughout this area. The simple question needs to be asked: Do the traffic numbers actually support any need for the River Road extension at all?  

Is it possible GREN can initiate an inquiry to have a review on the need for this project?  We are looking at at least another 1-2 years of coping with Covid. In light of the fact we are dealing with a Covid emergency and Climate Crisis, my view is  that now is not the time to spend money on on non-essential areas. 

At this time I have yet to see the MOE's mandated salt studies I secured with the Part II order. There appears to be a lack of EAs, lack of critical habitat management and a lack of regard for the area's Heritage Status. It is not reasonable to proceed to do work based on the absence of data. The function of doing these studies is to mitigate both risks and costs so we don't cause harm or additional expenses like the boondoggle we saw on Wideman Road when they cut into an aquuifer and flooded the place. 

Can we secure details on the logging that has already taken place here? 

Thank you
Lulu 



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