Residents pack council chambers over townhouse plan

KITCHENER — Residents frustrated with a lack of response about a townhouse development on Morrison Road brought their concerns directly to council Monday.

Stephen Tisdall and Rick McElheran of Chicopee Concerned Neighbours Association raised a number of concerns about traffic, noise, safety and environment regarding Cook Homes’ proposal to build a three-storey, 68-unit stacked townhouse development on the sloping, 1.4-hectare site at the corner of King Street East and Morrison Road.

It was standing room only in Kitchener’s council chambers Monday night, as more than 150 people filled the chamber to capacity to hear council deliberations on three controversial planning decisions: the Morrison Road project, as well as proposals to build purpose-built student housing in Lower Doon and to put in a natural health clinic on Pioneer Tower Road adjacent to single-family homes.

Under normal circumstances, council wouldn’t get involved in a proposal like this one, noted Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, since the current zoning allows townhouses on the site.

But the significant community concern, including a petition with 170 names, prompted council to allow the residents to air their concerns at Monday’s meeting.

The association “is not antidevelopment, but only against bad development,” McElheran told council.

Residents say the development will cause traffic problems, since Morrison Road is a narrow road at that point and slopes down toward King Street.

It has no sidewalk, and traffic is likely to increase on the road once the second phase of LRT goes in, and as other nearby lots get developed.

Residents also want an environmental study, saying chemicals may have seeped into the soil because of the land’s previous uses as a farm and a commercial sign business.

City staff say a traffic study isn’t needed; the city doesn’t require one for projects that involve fewer than 100 vehicle trips during peak hours.

Coun. Dave Schnider, who represents the area, says he will ensure staff continue to communicate with residents. “Tonight is not the end of it,” Schnider said. Tisdall said afterward he appreciated the chance to make his case, but wondered how many of the residents’ concerns will be addressed.

“I think we were heard, but were we listened to?” he said, noting that residents have been raising these issues for months.