Ongoing traffic concerns in Stevensville have residents worried about new development proposal
November 6, 2024 at 3:47 AM
A proposed residential development is running up against a new type of concern, as well as a very familiar one.
Councillors and residents alike questioned some of the aspects of a proposed build in Stevensville that would see 48 single detached homes and an equal number of townhouse units built on property along Stevensville Road, just south of the train tracks.
No decisions were made at the November 4 public meeting, which was intended to seek input and feedback from neighbours and councillors. A recommendation report will come forward at a future meeting.
“What considerations are being given to change the look of the units from unit to unit?” Councillor Tom Lewis asked staff.
Devon Morton, the town’s supervisor of development approvals, told staff that thanks to recent changes to provincial legislation, municipalities have limited control over those types of decisions.
“Due to recent provincial changes there is very limited ability for us to regulate building materials. That’s a conversation we can have with the applicant but there’s limited ability for us to regulate that,” Morton said.
While this issue is relatively new, one of the other main sticking points for politicians and residents alike isn’t.
“I’m very concerned about the traffic on Stevensville Road,” said Councillor Nick Dubanow, adding it’s not necessarily the impact this specific development will have on the road, but the accumulation of other developments coupled with the increase in tourism to the area.
To back that up, residents at the meeting spoke of some of their issues, which included waiting as long as 12 minutes to have enough time and space to turn left onto Stevensville Road.
The proponents did complete a traffic study, though councillors worried that it didn’t capture the full nature of traffic in the area.
The study was completed in August 2022, said Councillor Ann-Marie Noyes, back when COVID-19 was still keeping travel down.
Additionally, the study didn’t capture weekend tourism traffic.
Councillors did request more up-to-date information, though getting data on tourism-related traffic may be a challenge since they’d have to wait until next summer and approval timelines don’t allow for that.
The proposal may also require more work on a noise study, something consultant Joe Tomaino acknowledged, in part because nearby Safari Niagara wasn’t considered.
“We’ll probably require an addendum to the noise study,” he said.
Residents also bemoaned the potential loss of natural space, and some suggested there should be more of a focus on affordable housing and housing for seniors.
The nine-hectare property includes blocks for the 96 total units, another set aside for environmental protection, future development, a three-metre trail connection, a 30-metre railway buffer, and a six-metre emergency access and multi-use trail.
Dubanow stressed the proposed multi-use trail should be exactly that: a well-created trail that promotes active transportation. Anything less would be a “deal breaker” for him.
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About The Author
Luke Edwards
Luke Edwards is a longtime Niagara community journalist who has covered a variety of beats, including business, agriculture, the wine industry and politics. When not writing, there's a good chance he can be found at a baseball diamond or curling rink.
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