THUNDER BAY – Development of the Parkdale subdivision has been approved to advance into its sixth stage.
City council voted Monday night to pass a resolution giving the developers the green light to proceed into the next phase of development, which proposes adding up 169 new dwelling units.
The resolution was met with opposition from area objectors, who said they weren’t against the development but had concerns they were looking at the city to address.
One of the primary concerns is the single route access to Parkdale, which has been a recurring point of contention for area residents. They argued with more development increased traffic demand would become problematic, especially in the event of an emergency.
Administration reported they expect to reduce congestion with the installation of an advance left from Parkdale Boulevard eastbound onto Arthur Street.
Drainage issues from stormwater were also raised, with many residents say they constantly rely on sump pumps to avoid flooding. They were worried the new development, which would take place north of Caribou Crescent, would make it worse.
Northwood Coun. Shelby Ch’ng questioned administration about impacts of stormwater drainage from Parkdale funneling down into her ward, which is prone to flooding.
She, along with Couns. Larry Hebert and Trevor Giertuga, voted against the resolution.
Neebing Coun. Linda Rydholm, who represents Parkdale, praised city administration and engineering for working to address concerns raised by residents and voted in favour of proceeding ahead with the development.
