by Helen Hall
Kitchener Citizen
Future development in Kitchener means that Strasburg Road will be extended to New Dundee Road, but few can agree about where the road should go.
About 100 people attended an open house at Huron Heights Secondary School on October 26 to discuss the extension.
“It was definitely well attended and it’s great to see people getting involved,” said Ward 5 councillor Kelly Galloway. She has been discussing this road extension with residents and staff for about five years.
Details for the first part of the road extension, from where Strasburg currently ends to just south of the proposed Robert Ferrie extension have already been approved. The next section of the road from north of Stauffer to New Dundee Road has caused concern for residents.
Most of the land in this area is owned by developers except for one private parcel, where Monika Ruttkowski farms and runs a bed and breakfast.
Kitchener staff have drawn up several proposals for the road extension and have looked at how they affect the environment and heritage features in the area, as well as if they meet the criteria for future development and growth.
The proposed alignment bends around Ruttkowski’s bed and breakfast, travels across Blair Creek and goes around another heritage property located on Reidel Drive and then joins with Reidel until it meets New Dundee Road. Because of the shape of Ruttkowski’s property, the proposed extensions of Strasburg Road and Robert Ferrie Drive will divide her property into three pieces.
Galloway is not in favour of city staff’s proposal.
“This proposed alignment will have a huge impact on her property, her home and her bed and breakfast,” Galloway said.
Galloway said many of those at the public meeting were there to support Ruttkowski.
Galloway said she will not support this proposal when it comes to council for approval.
“I’ve listened to staff and residents,” she said. “I think there is a different option that would be the best all around solution for the environment, residents and the long-term planning of the city.”
Galloway would like to see the road travel west of Ruttkowski’s property, across Blair Creek and have its own intersection with New Dundee Road.
Galloway said staff are still going through the input from the October 26 public meeting will present their final proposal to the planning committee in the new year. If it is approved there, it will be forwarded to council for final approval.
Therefore, residents will still have two opportunities to voice their concerns, and can always call or email their city councillor.
“We always have to measure public concern with professional opinions,” Galloway said of trying to help her constituents but also respecting the wisdom of city staff and consultants.
“It’s been interesting to watch this unfold.”
Kitchener Citizen
Future development in Kitchener means that Strasburg Road will be extended to New Dundee Road, but few can agree about where the road should go.
About 100 people attended an open house at Huron Heights Secondary School on October 26 to discuss the extension.
“It was definitely well attended and it’s great to see people getting involved,” said Ward 5 councillor Kelly Galloway. She has been discussing this road extension with residents and staff for about five years.
Details for the first part of the road extension, from where Strasburg currently ends to just south of the proposed Robert Ferrie extension have already been approved. The next section of the road from north of Stauffer to New Dundee Road has caused concern for residents.
Most of the land in this area is owned by developers except for one private parcel, where Monika Ruttkowski farms and runs a bed and breakfast.
Kitchener staff have drawn up several proposals for the road extension and have looked at how they affect the environment and heritage features in the area, as well as if they meet the criteria for future development and growth.
The proposed alignment bends around Ruttkowski’s bed and breakfast, travels across Blair Creek and goes around another heritage property located on Reidel Drive and then joins with Reidel until it meets New Dundee Road. Because of the shape of Ruttkowski’s property, the proposed extensions of Strasburg Road and Robert Ferrie Drive will divide her property into three pieces.
Galloway is not in favour of city staff’s proposal.
“This proposed alignment will have a huge impact on her property, her home and her bed and breakfast,” Galloway said.
Galloway said many of those at the public meeting were there to support Ruttkowski.
Galloway said she will not support this proposal when it comes to council for approval.
“I’ve listened to staff and residents,” she said. “I think there is a different option that would be the best all around solution for the environment, residents and the long-term planning of the city.”
Galloway would like to see the road travel west of Ruttkowski’s property, across Blair Creek and have its own intersection with New Dundee Road.
Galloway said staff are still going through the input from the October 26 public meeting will present their final proposal to the planning committee in the new year. If it is approved there, it will be forwarded to council for final approval.
Therefore, residents will still have two opportunities to voice their concerns, and can always call or email their city councillor.
“We always have to measure public concern with professional opinions,” Galloway said of trying to help her constituents but also respecting the wisdom of city staff and consultants.
“It’s been interesting to watch this unfold.”
LIVELY PUBLIC MEETING
Proposed Strasburg Road extension subject of debate
Proposed Strasburg Road extension subject of debate
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