City council approved the long-awaited Transportation Master Plan this week, but not before changing it as a result of efforts of some Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School students.
Meeting on Tuesday, council passed the document, which has been in the works since 2011. It will guide all transportation decisions for the next several years, including road constructions as well as complete streets – a policy that takes the needs of pedestrians and cyclists into account when designing transportation corridors.
The original plan included approval for a road to be built on land in the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, an area popular with students and residents alike. It would have provided a second road into the university area.
Some of the students started an online petition calling for the area to be protected, attracting more than 1,000 signatures.
Ward 10 Coun. Fern Cormier said the road would ruin the area for hikers, and it doesn't have public support.
“I believe it's a significant indicator that this is the right thing to do,” Cormier said of the petition. “This would be a waste of money and time ... I would rather explore other options.”
He said Laurentian University has been opposed to the road for years, because it would interfere with trail system, and the TransCanada trail system
“We view this area as a tremendous community asset and are proud of it.”
Ward 1 Coun. Mark Signoretti praised the Lo-Ellen students for speaking out to save the area from the road.
“They've very passionate about the area and the trail system,” Signoretti said.
He has received several emails from residents in support of axing the road, and he agrees with them.
“We need to protect this jewel we have right in our back yard,” Signoretti said. “We do listen to the public.”
The plan is available for viewing by visiting the Roads and Transportation section on the city’s website at greatersudbury.ca/transportation.
The Master Plan is an update from the 2005 study and focuses on a sustainable transportation network for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists along with their projected needs up until the year 2031.
