Councillor C. Michaud did not participate in any discussion or vote regarding this matter due to her previously declared conflict.
The Committee considered Development Service Department report DSD-2024-374, dated September 4, 2024 recommending the Biehn Drive and Trunk Sanitary Sewer Extension Class Environment Assessment (EA) and the Environment Study Report (ESR) be received and filed with the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) for the mandatory 30 day review period. The Committee was also in receipt of written submissions from L. Thompson, A. Joy and K. Kuzyk.
C. Spere presented an overview of the Staff report and responded to questions from the Committee. K. Hughes, E. Riek and S. Taylor, the City's Engineering Consultant were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Committee.
K. Kuzyck, R. Angod, Y. Fernandes, M. Funck, J. Arudda, M. Spiar and B. Woodhall provided comments in opposition of the Staff recommendation noting the proposed road extension is not necessary as it will not effectively redistribute traffic from local roads. Further, concerns were raised related to potential adverse environmental impacts including increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions and increased flooding in the subject area if the existing wetland is disrupted to facilitate the road extension.
D. Aston, MHBC Planning provided comments in support of the Staff recommendation and responded to questions from the Committee.
A. Owodunni left the meeting at this time and re-entered.
In response to questions from the Committee, S. Taylor noted the proposed preliminary design ensures majority of stormwater run-off would be diverted towards the existing stormwater management pond. Further, S. Taylor advised the proposed water main and sanitary sewer will be constructed subsurface and the portion of the road proposed to run through the wetland will be elevated above the wetland to minimize impacts of ground water run-off and to prevent flooding. In response to questions from the Committee regarding traffic in the subject area, S. Taylor noted the expansion of Biehn Road is necessary and valuable to address future population growth and anticipated changes to travel patterns in the area.
Councillors J. Deneault and D. Chapman noted they would not be voting in support of the staff recommendation as the proposed road extension will disrupt the wetland in the subject area. Further, it was noted there are other alternatives that could be considered to maintain the wetland.