The MDP and East Hill MASP are identified to be changed to include three potential Piper Creek crossing options as shown below in red. (City of Red Deer)

By Sheldon Spackman

long and winding road continues

Council to consider Molly Banister options in coming months

Jun 21, 2021 | 4:34 PM

The long and winding road that is the future of Molly Banister Drive continues.

In the latest development, staff with The City of Red Deer’s Planning and Growth department are reviewing public feedback regarding the protection of a road alignment to cross Piper Creek, east of the Bower neighbourhood.

The City mailed over 800 letters last month to area landowners that would potentially be impacted by a crossing at Piper Creek and connect Bower to a section of land east of the creek and south of Sunnybrook, where it would eventually hook up with 22 Street.

The letters were sent following a request from Melcor Developments Ltd., which recently submitted an application to change the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and East Hill Major Area Structure Plan (MASP).

The request proposes to replace the single option of crossing Piper Creek at Molly Banister Drive with two additional crossing options at Bennett Street or Boyce Street. Melcor is also requesting to reduce the roadway crossing from an arterial road to a collector road.

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City council voted last October to keep the potential Molly Banister Drive road alignment in the MDP and East Hill MASP. Therefore, planning for the undeveloped section of land east of Bower currently includes land for a roadway which could be developed in the future, should the population and transportation needs warrant it in 20-30 years.

“Of those three (Piper Creek crossing options), we feel that Boyce is likely the best option,” says Guy Pelletier, Melcor Vice President for the Red Deer Region.

He notes Boyce Street is a collector road, so by changing the potential creek crossing designation from an arterial road to a collector road, would make for a smoother transition if it were ever built.

“Boyce ultimately does lead to a four-way intersection at Gaetz Avenue and does continue through to Taylor Drive,” he explains. “So if you’re looking at a bigger picture transportation perspective, it’s a bit of a shorter roadway which is good for taxpayers who paid out to build it and maintain it. The Piper Creek Ravine there is a little easier to cross and the grade is not as steep at that point.”

“Our position still remains though, that Piper Creek Ravine should not be crossed anywhere, that this road is not needed,” remarks Pelletier. “We’re putting this in as a way to advance the conversation, advance the planning, so we can get to the next stage. But we still believe that the best solution is to have no crossing whatsoever, leave the ravine uninterrupted.”

“City administration has indicated quite clearly that they can work with other traffic management options, that this one is not necessary now and would not be necessary in the future either,” suggests Pelletier.

Christi Fidek, Senior Planner with the City of Red Deer, anticipates the proposed changes to be presented to council in the coming months, with a final decision on the crossing location expected to be part of the next future planning step, a neighbourhood area structure plan.

She says the neighbourhood area structure plan is anticipated in the next few years and those potentially impacted, will be asked for feedback on the plan once drafts are developed.