Comments Improve Road Plans

In April, EH submitted comments on the city’s proposed extension of Frid Street to link the Kirkendall neighbourhood and Longwood Road. The new road anticipates the development of the McMaster Innovation Park.

We and others, including Transportation for Liveable Communities, questioned the lack of sidewalks and bike paths in the roadway plans. Our submission challenged the need for on-street parking and provided a detailed suggestion for replacing it with pedestrian and cycling amenities.

“We envision a research park where the majority of employees arrive on foot, bicycle or transit, and many live nearby in the Kirkendall and Westdale neighbourhoods,” stated the EH submission. “We urge you to remain true to this vision and the objectives of sustainability.”

The comments were well-received by city staff who informed us at the end of May that they have accepted many of our suggestions. The new plan includes bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides as well as a three metre boulevard to buffer pedestrians from the roadway.