Councillor says new subdivision could create safety issues
A proposed subdivision off Keppoch Road will create unsafe increase in traffic, says a Stratford councillor.
Coun. Steve Ogden was the only member of Stratford council to vote against a resolution granting preliminary approval for Alberta Inc. to subdivide a parcel off Keppoch Road into 35 single-family residential lots during this month’s regular council meeting.
Ogden said he was concerned the new subdivision would increase traffic on Celtic Lane and that he previously thought there would be an intersection across from Radcliffe that would have alleviated some traffic.
“A lot of traffic is going to be funnelled down there with no infrastructure for pedestrians, it’s just going to create an unsafe situation in my view so for that reason I won’t be supporting the resolution,” said Ogden, noting the new Foxwoods subdivision will also lead to increased traffic in the area.
The lot is approximately 27.23 acres, with the developer proposing that 2.63 acres (9.7 per cent of total area) be given as open space to the town.
The motion was carried 5-1 with a number of conditions attached.
Coun. Keith MacLean, who chairs the committee, said during the meeting that the developer still must work with a number of requirements before getting formal approval.
He said while the new homes will create more traffic, the subdivision would also have a number of new exits that would help alleviate the traffic in the area.
“It creates more safety instead of less,” said MacLean, adding the department of transportation, infrastructure and energy has already completed a preliminary review of the subdivision.
“I think it’s not the councillor’s position to decide on these issues if the conditions are met and I don’t see it as a safety issues because where are these 35 cars coming from and where are they going to exit.” Ogden disagreed. “I appreciate your opinion on that, councillor, but it’s your opinion,” said Ogden, adding that he felt the review was based on economic analysis rather than traffic data.
“I think your opinion is valuable but at the same time I’d like to see that actual data before I change my opinion.”
Preliminary reviews have been completed by the department of communities, land and environment, as well as the town’s utility corporation and recreation, culture and events committee.
The preliminary approval is valid for a three-year period and is subject to a number of conditions, including that proposed public roads be designed in accordance with the transportation’s provincial road standards.