Chatham-Kent is taking an alternate approach in dealing with the future of Talbot Trail.
After a lengthy discussion Monday night, council voted to file an environmental service assessment on a smaller section of the road from Ellerbeck Road to Stevenson Road.Council also endorsed the first phase to reopen Talbot Trail in the area where it is currently closed.
According to a staff report, the third option will only document separately the hazard zone for Phase 2 proposed by the BT Engineering study.
"The Phase 2 component would have no status," read the report. "It could be considered for land use protection for future development at some future date, but it would not protect the corridor now."
The third option will also require additional consulting fees in the amount of $20,000 plus HST, which will come from capital funds.
Several deputations to council were strongly in favour of not moving forward with the full environmental assessment. Residents in attendance also made it clear that relocating a large section of Talbot Trail was not in the public's interest.
"I've heard lots of comments about the importance of opening the Coatsworth area," said Ceccacci. "I've heard loud and clear that they need access, but I've also heard that they don't want this corridor secured at this point."
A portion of Talbot Trail near Coatsworth Road has been closed since 2019 because of erosion from lake Erie.
The approach that council approved was called a “do nothing” approach for road protection for any corridor. It does not provide a plan for the properties along the coast for future access and building relocation.
"This approach would defer any action to a future council," read the report.
