Threatened bird delays Ancaster road project

A threatened bird species has further delayed a road extension in the Ancaster Business Park.

The provincial Ministry of Natural Resources asked the City of Hamilton to find an alternative habitat for the Eastern meadowlark before allowing construction of Cormorant Drive, located on Wilson Street.

“We’ve just got to get an alternative spot for the bird to fly to and then we can punch the road through,” said Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson.

The unexpected delay comes at the same time that the Ontario Environment Ministry rejected an appeal from a resident to have the city complete a Phase 2 environmental assessment.

“After careful consideration to the issues raised the minister denied the Phase 2 order,” stated Gary Wheeler, spokesperson for the MOE.

The notice was issued to the city in late June.

A municipal class environmental assessment had already been completed on the project that began in 2006.

It identified the Cormorant Drive extension as the preferred solution over four other alternatives.

Hamilton communications officer Cindy Csordas said city officials are “currently working at addressing the requirements” from the natural resources ministry.

She said officials are completing the detailed engineering design along with the bird issue.

Ferguson said one of the areas the city is considering as an appropriate alternative land for the bird is around the Hamilton International Airport.

He would like to see the project out for tender this fall.

The Eastern meadowlark is designated as threatened by the province due to loss of habitat from reforestation, use of pesticides and changes in farming practices.

The meadowlark is not endangered, “but is likely to become endangered if nothing is done,” states the province.

The bird was added to the species at risk list by Ontario in January 2012.

The meadowlark is a mediumsize, migratory bird with a bright yellow throat and belly, a black V on its breast and white flanks with black streaks. Its back is mainly brown with black streaks, it has a pointed bill, a light brown and black-striped head.

Its breeding ground is primarily in moderately tall grasslands, pastures, bayfields, roadsides, orchards, airports and overgrown fields. It is found south of the Canadian Shield.

The $4.5-million extension of Cormorant Drive to Trinity Road South has been delayed for a few years despite the need for a second access point into the busy industrial park.

“It is a real health and safety issue to have one access into that park,” said Ferguson. “There are thousands of employees working there.”

Over the past year there have been a number of new businesses moving into the 230-hectare park, along with existing companies proposing expansions, such as Stackpole, contributing to traffic problems from Tradewind Drive to Wilson Street.