A new conceptual design plan for Burritts Rapids has been received by North Grenville council.
Council met Tuesday, where they heard presentations from members of engineering services firm WSP, regarding proposed design plans for the hamlet which look to maintain the small village characteristics and preserve its heritage through landscaping and streetscaping.
The Burritts Rapids Community Association also presented to council, voicing their thoughts on a path forward.
Hamlet resident Inge Vangemeren of the BRCA says while they’re pleased with the progress so far, with just one consultation set between now and May, there needs to be more meaningful consultation between WSP, council and the community.
“One consultation opportunity will not be sufficient,” she said. “People need the opportunity to see it, look at it, to think about it, go away and chat with their neighbours and be able to come back and ask questions. It really is an integrated process and we’ve learned ourselves how fabulous the conversation gets the more times we stir it. The stew only gets better the more you stir it.”
Some of the key themes in WSP’s presentation included addressing traffic volumes and speeds, stormwater management, winter maintenance, parking and street lighting, among others.
The BRCA has asked that calming measures be taken to reduce traffic speeds on Grenville Street.
Vangerem simply wants to ensure that all sides are happy with the design plan moving forward.
“Again, a long term, holistic plan is what’s going to lead to very happy, content residents,” Vangerem added. “That’s what I am personally committed to helping deliver, the most amount of success that we can possibly present with the best solution for everyone.”
WSP will be gathering input on the plans through a public open house and survey of the community in March.
The firm should have its final design plan and report completed by May, at which time, they’ll be making their final presentation on the project.
