THUNDER BAY — Parkdale residents lobbying for a second access to their subdivision may feel encouraged after learning that city staff propose to conduct an environmental assessment for a new route.
However, decisions on whether it's needed, where it would be located, and whether the city has the money to pay for a new access may still be years away.
The Engineering and Operations Division is asking for $250,000 in the 2020 budget for an E.A.
Project Engineer Aaron Ward cautions that the assessment is only for "long-term" planning purposes.
A traffic study conducted by the city in 2016 showed Parkdale Boulevard, which links the subdivision to Arthur Street, will remain adequate even with the potential development of hundreds of more lots.
The study also took into account the development of higher-density projects in Parkdale, where the first apartment buildings were started last year.
In an interview Wednesday, Ward said "It's not that we're looking to build a second access anytime soon, but we need to start the planning for it in case its ever required."
If city council approves the requested budget, an EA will examine all potential routes to the north, east, south and west, as well as the impacts each route would have.
Ward expects the study wouldn't be finished until 2021.
He said it's prudent to do some preparatory work now because the Ministry of Transportation is currently studying potential improvements along the Thunder Bay Expressway including at the Highway 11/17 intersection and the Arthur Street intersection.
Any connection the city might propose to a provincial highway requires MTO approval.
Parkdale resident Don Wilson has spoken out in the past over concerns about traffic congestion in the subdivision and the potential bottleneck on Parkdale Boulevard in an emergency scenario.
Wilson said he's glad to hear some planning is starting for another access, and hopes the city keeps residents informed throughout the process.
