Conservation

Conservation Issues

K I T C H E N E R – W A T E R L O O F I E L D N A T U R A L I S T S

317 Highland Road East, Kitchener N2M 3W6

South Kitchener Transportation Corridor Study.

To Ms. Paula Sawicki and Mr. Don Drackley,

Re: South Kitchener Transportation Corridor Study.

Thank you for inviting the participation of the Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists in the January 19, 2005, public consultation, and asking for our comments. Your “comment sheet” is used as the format for our comments below.

Any other Criteria to consider when analyzing the alternatives?

Consideration should be given to how each alternative fits in with, or conflicts with, the (evolving) Waterloo Region Greenlands Strategy.

Top 3 Criteria:

Although all criteria listed on page 9 have importance and should be included as relevant to the evaluation process, we think that the “Natural Area Impact” is most important.

Furthermore, to 3.1 Natural Area Impact / Description / Adverse impact type: 1) localized/reversible, or 2) widespread, we would add, “3) must not conflict with Regional Greenlands Strategy.” An effective transportation plan should not compromise areas of natural heritage or the integrity of the Greenlands Strategy. Negative environmental effects considered “localized” or “reversible” should not be allowed, even temporarily.

Second in importance is 3.2 Groundwater Impact. But since groundwater quality is affected by surface water, and surface water quality is affected by air quality, and air quality is affected by resource consumption, and resource consumption is affected by modes of transportation used, traffic flow, and also industrial activity, etc., etc…. the issue of groundwater is very complex and should not be considered in isolation.

Third in importance are 1.1, 1.6, and 4.1 combined. Money spent now should utilize and adapt existing roadways and various modes of transportation, to improve roadway performance, and to adequately meet future travel needs.

Alternatives:

Alternative #4 seems to offer the best likelihood of a successful solution. However, several non-specific factors such as “minimal impact on ESPA 27”, “minimum geometric design conditions”, “mixed employment”, and “higher density” need to be more fully explained and understood, before we would offer our unconditional support.

General Comments:

We are pleased to note that walking, cycling, and public transportation are being presented as part of the solution to traffic congestion problems.

Hidden Valley has long been regarded by KWFN members as an area rich in natural history. Preserving this significant natural area and the wildlife it supports is important to us. Environmental awareness, thinking, and planning have come a long way since the “old plan” to extend River Road through the natural area was proposed. That “old plan”, as we see it, and as seen through the vision of the Region’s Greenlands Strategy, is no longer an acceptable proposal. Fragmentation of the Hidden Valley natural area by a River Road extension through ESPA 27 and the Provincially Significant Wetland, would have irreversible negative impacts on the environment.

If a new road connecting River Road to Goodrich Drive, Manitou and Bleams Road is deemed necessary, it should for the most part follow the existing alignment of Wabanaki Drive and Hidden Valley Drive north of the natural area. Moderate speed limits are preferable to higher speeds.

There are alternatives for transportation improvements which allow for the protection, preservation, and expansion of the PSW and ESPA 27 as well as providing opportunities for rehabilitating former natural corridors which could reconnect Hidden Valley to nearby natural areas along the Grand River. As noted in the Greenlands Strategy paper, the inter-connectedness of natural areas is vital to the overall health of all the Region’s wildlife and greenlands.

We urge you to work towards a solution which will best preserve the natural heritage of Hidden Valley.

Sincerely,

David Hunsberger, Conservation Director, Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists

Legislation for Pesticide Reduction

Blackbirds to be Massacred!

Save Rincon Rainforest

Safeguard Species At Risk, Canadians Urge Chretien

Legislation for Pesticide Reduction

Laurel Creek

Save Rincon Rainforest

For a Canadian charitable tax receipt, mail cheques to:
Rincon Rainforest Fund/Tropical Conservancy, 94 Four Seasons
Drive, Nepean ON K2E 7S1

More KWFN Information

KWFN Home Page