Sudbury residents want fewer roads, more trails

Every corner of Greater Sudbury was up for discussion at last night's public meeting on the official plan a blueprint for how the city is developed. But many Sudburians who stepped up to the microphone focused on a proposed road linking Highway 69 and Laurentian University.

Former public school board director Jean Hanson is asking for the road idea to be wiped from the city's books.

"The proposed university access road will dissect existing skiing, hiking and walking trails, thus decimating the trail network and destroying one of Sudbury's finest outdoor recreation facilities," Hanson said.

The road drew similar criticism five years ago, when it briefly rose to the top of the priority list.

Daniel Barrette from the Sudbury cyclists union said he thinks the road also discourages walking, biking and taking the bus.

"Students shouldn't be driving to school," he said. "They don't have that type of money. And they shouldn't be spending it on fuel."

More 'positive' measures needed

The Laurentian access road is just an idea at this point. There is no exact route planned and no cost estimate. City staff said the road project is already being reviewed and could be dropped from the official plan.

Some speakers focused on protecting Sudbury's lakes and encouraging more people to get around on a bicycle.

Wanup farmer Alison Muckle was the only person at the meeting who asked for anofficial planthat allows Sudbury to feed itself.

"The city has taken some positive measures to help protect farmland in the current official plan, but almost as important as farmland protection is to help make it economically viable for farmers to stay in business."

Muckle said the city should change its bylaws to allow backyard chicken coups and roadside vegetable stands.