The public information session (PIC) held on 2/19 to review options for crossing Eaton Hall Creek in the King City East development has generated some good questions. Specifically, questions/concerns about inclusion of options involving connection to Tawes Trail for the required local roads. As Norm said in his comment to me inclusion of such was surprising as Council has given very specific direction to not make such a connection. (I have posted Norm’s question in comments on lower right side of home page.)
If I were in Norm’s shoes I would respond the same way; but as I have learned from various projects since being on Council, there is a protocol for Environmental Assessments (EA) which is rigorously followed; specifically, the EA needs to include all possible options. I anticipate that when the options are fully assessed (i.e. not just against the 4 identified criteria) the Council direction will come into play. And if the Staff report does not take the Council direction into account I can name a couple Council members whom I am pretty sure will bring it up!
As I think about the EA process I think it is appropriate to include all possible options. The Council direction was given without the benefit of information available now. I think it is appropriate that Council has the opportunity, in a sense, to renew (or change) their direction when there is new information. To clarify: I am not promoting Council changing direction every time there is a new piece of data. But, when we are talking about significant infrastructure choices we need to take advantage of as much information as possible so that we are truly making the best choice.
Click here to see the information presented at the PIC. As you will see there are several pages of the powerpoint reviewing 6 options. I am impressed with the powerpoint as I understand the presentation even though I wasn’t able to attend the PIC.
Hello Debbie,
I live on Curran Crt which is off Carmicheal. I would be affected if the option to go through Tawes Trail would take place. I have gathered signatures from residents which would also be affected on Tawes Trail, Jenkinson Grove , Curran Crt, and Carmichael which are all opposed to the option. Everyone’s concern is the added traffic in our established neighbourhood. Everyone I spoke to were under the impression that King Township Council was opposed to the idea from the July 11 meeting. It’s upsetting to see that it’s still an option to be considered.
I hope our voices are heard and you continue to fight for us.
Joanne
Hello Joanne, I understand your concerns i.e. about the connection and that a connection with Tawes is showing as an option on the Environmental Assessment. I hope that my comments about the EA process at least explains why it is showing as an option. Having said that I must say, as a general statement, that it is my belief that citizens need to pay attention to what is happening. And indeed that is what you and others who went to the PIC are doing. And you need to continue doing so.