Ashley Perry
July 10, 2024
SUMMARY
The City of Brantford wants to expand Powerline Road between Paris Road and Brantford’s East boundary near Brantwood Farms to four lanes, due to massive planned development and population increase north of Powerline Rd. The area of study for the road expansion includes rural and agricultural land on the north side (such as Brantwood Farms) and residential and commercial land on the south side (such as Andrew W Pate Park)1. The farmland on the north side of Powerline Road was annexed (taken) in 2017 by Brantford for commercial and residential development.
TIMELINE
Currently the City is consulting with review agencies and the public. The study will be completed in 2025, and then the approved plan will be implemented. This is your chance to have a say.
IMPACT
The road expansion will facilitate sprawl development on prime farmland north of Powerline Road, and increase the air pollution, noise, traffic congestion and water contamination.
IMPACT ON NATURAL LANDS
Significant natural features along Powerline Road will be impacted. The area is home to species at risk, such as; multiple bat species, multiple bird species, Snapping Turtles, Eastern Milk Snakes, Western Chorus Frogs, and Butternut Trees1. The road also crosses different sections of Fairchild Creek, a major tributary of the Grand River (meaning the creek flows into the Grand River). Fairchild Creek already has some pollution and water quality issues due to farming, erosion and development. Fairchild Creek flows into the Grand River, which is a source of water for communities downstream. The creek also provides habitat for more than 40 species that are protected under provincial and federal species at risk legislation3. This includes five rare provincially significant fish species; American brook lamprey, Black redhorse, Greater redhorse), Brindled madtom and Eastern sand darter3.
IMPACT ON RESIDENTS
Properties that border Powerline Road and the community at large will be affected by this road expansion (See map).
QUESTIONS
- What kind of development is planned for the land north of Powerline Rd.? What kind of industry?
- What is the projected population?
- What plans are there for public transit? Will there be a dedicated lane for public transit? Will there be a GO Transit station? How will we accommodate commuters?
- Is there a climate change plan? What does it entail?
REFERENCES
2 https://www.csu.edu/cerc/documents/ImpactsofChangingLandUse-October1997.PDF
So sad . Brantford needs to stop this