Sept. 22 Stratford city council briefs: Public meeting on subdivision draws criticism for sprawl, perceived lack of parkland

A new subdivision is being considered for the lands at 750 McCarthy Road West, just down the street from the Stratford Rotary Complex.

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A new subdivision is being eyed at 750 McCarthy Road West, a currently vacant agricultural parcel just down the road from the Rotary Complex.

The developer is aiming to create 60 lots for single family homes, a single lot for multiple residential dwelling units and a lot for a stormwater management pond.

Although no parkland was being suggested for the development, the applicant has donated funds which have gone to the new “Countryside Park” being proposed to be built right next to the Rotary Complex.

Jane Marie Mitchell was the lone member of the public to speak at the meeting, expressing concern for a host of issues such as affordability, accessibility, traffic and environmental impacts – in addition to the lack of local parkland and urban sprawl into agricultural land.

“There are other areas (for) infill that could be used before you go into agricultural land,” Mitchell said. “Think of the generations to come … I wanted to address the park situation as well. What you seem to be talking about is the big, what I would call city par … but I think the Stratford Official Plan says it wants to be creating new residential neighborhoods that encourage community interaction, reduce auto independence and maintain essential neighborhood qualities. So in my mind, you need to have those. small parks for the people in the area to get to know each other. The big parks, like Upper Queens, that to me is a city park.”

No decision on the zone change was made at the meeting, nor did councillors give their opinions on the matter. A decision on the change will come before council at a future meeting.

Stopping restrictions coming for Avon Street during school drop-off times

Without discussion, council unanimously passed a motion to add stopping restrictions on Avon Street, from Huntingdon Avenue to Avondale Avenue, Monday to Friday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. on the north side.

According to the staff report, residents have raised concerns regarding parking during school pick-up and drop-off times for Avon Public Elementary School. The stretch of street is 8.5 metres wide, and residents have noted issues when school buses, winter maintenance equipment or emergency vehicles were unable to pass during peak times.

McCabe hits the breaks on 40 km/h limit in neighbourhoods

Council will soon be having a debate on speed limits in residential areas. Coun. Larry McCabe gave his notice of intent to put forward the motion to squash a 40 kilometre an hour limit in neighbourhoods, a motion that originally passed in 2021 but has yet to be implemented.

McCabe’s new motion will be brought forward at the regular council meeting on Oct. 14.