(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Special Meeting of Council

Molly Banister Drive road extension and bridge remains in City plans after public hearing Monday

Jan 16, 2023 | 9:28 PM

Red Deer city council had a tied vote for the removal of the potential Molly Bannister road extension and bridge across Piper Creek, resulting in the refusal of the bylaw amendment.

At a Special Meeting on Monday, 12 people spoke either for or against the extension of the road alignment at a public hearing in council chambers.

In November 2022, council gave first reading to the proposed changes, requested by the developer, Melcor, for the third time since 2019.

The report recommended council remove the road extension and bridge from City plans for development in the area to continue without holding space for the road.

READ: Red Deer city council moves forward to remove Molly Banister road extension and bridge

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Before purchasing the land from sisters Dorothy and Ruth Bower, Melcor’s Red Deer Vice-President of Community Development Guy Pelletier said that he promised that he would develop a “great community” while preserving the heritage of the land.

Various members of the public voiced similar concern for the parks and trail system as well as the wildlife.

On the other hand, former city manager Craig Curtis, among other residents, voiced in opposition of the amendment due to the city’s growing population. He used past examples of hesitancy towards road developments such as the Gaetz Bridge and Taylor Drive, and stated that the community is now grateful for having these traffic areas.

Various alternatives were proposed for the road extension, including a two and four lane bridge,  as well as other options to alleviate traffic including widening of 19 and 32 Street. The postponed roundabout construction project on 19 St and 40 Ave was also mentioned.

READ: City of Red Deer seeks public feedback on roundabouts

One resident also suggested the creation of a lit pedestrian walkway or bridge with at least one route reserved for public transit and Emergency Medical Services.

Pelletier said the residential land development is around 110 hectares in size with the plan for roughly 15-17 units of all types to be built per hectare. He added a completion date could be expected for 2030.

With Councillor Kraymer Barnstable absent due to a conflict of interest with the area discussed, Mayor Ken Johnston and Councillors Cindy Jefferies, Vesna Higham and Michael Dawe voted in favor to remove the road extension and bridge from City plans during second reading of the bylaw amendment.

“What won’t be the same is the wildlife and the ability for us to preserve nature,” said Mayor Johnston to council. “Have confidence that we’re moving in the right direction and base your vote on a favorable view of the future and not a threat that somehow we need to be going faster, quicker.”

As a result of the failed vote, the road extension and bridge will remain in City plans, including the Municipal Development Plan and the East Hill Major Area Structure Plan.

The developer can apply again to bring the item back to council chambers in six months.

More information can be found at www.reddeer.ca/mollybanister.