Belleville city council during capital budget debate, October 26, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)Thomas
Belleville’s Maitland Drive and Mineral Road project gets some extra funding.
During the capital budget debate this week, city council was considering a staff proposal that an extra $1.7 million be added to the Mineral Road and Maitland Drive project, which sat at $10 million.
Councillors expressed concerns about sidewalks on one or two sides, the possibility of a roundabout, and whether or not there would be bike lanes.
In a second debate on Wednesday, Councillor Mitch Panciuk argued that the city has no roundabouts at this point and he didn’t understand “why there would be a roundabout in an agricultural area which is a thruway for trucks.”
Thurlow Ward Councillor Paul Carr said out about 1,000 people live in the area.
Thurlow Ward Councillor Jackie Denyes pointed out that the roadways area is in the Cannifton urban area.
Council was told residents in the area had been in favour of the roundabout when asked at a public information session.
Staff told council traffic signals were more problematic and there would have to be another environmental assessment.
Council approved the extra funding with Councillors Panciuk and Kelly McCaw voting against.
