Puslinch resident Bev Wozniak would like to have a direct meeting with MTO officials regarding proposed improvements on Highways 6 and 401 from Hamilton North to Guelph – specifically the new alignment of Highway 6.
Wozniak spoke to Puslinch council on Sept. 20 regarding concerns with what she considered a flawed process. She also came with a petition with roughly 20 signatures of concerned residents. The petitioners want a public workshop with the MTO and its consultants at the Puslinch Community Centre.
Wozniak stated many residents purchased property in the area with no knowledge of the impacts of a Hanlon Expressway realignment.
For some, it would eliminate direct access from Wellington Road 34 to the expressway.
Wozniak contended that the base information of the MTO study is now 30 years old and does not account for additional residential growth in the area.
She also contended the work will have a negative impact on the health and safety of residents as well as property values and the environment – with potential harm to drinking water and local wetlands.
Currently, the approved preliminary design includes:
– a new controlled access four-lane alignment of Highway 6 west of the existing highway, from Highway 6 at Maddaugh Road north to Highway 401;
– improvements to the Highway 6 / Maddaugh Road intersection;
– structures to carry CP Rail, Calffass Road, Concession Road 1 and Fielding Lane across the new Highway 6 alignment;
– a new two-lane connection road north of the community of Morriston, linking the existing and new alignments of Highway 6;
– reconfiguration of the Highway 401 interchanges at Highway 6 / Wellington Road 46 (Brock Road), and at Highway 6 (Hanlon Expressway);
– widening of approximately 3km of Highway 401 to 10 lanes including high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes between the two Highway 6 interchanges;
– replacement of the Hanlon Expressway intersection at Wellington Road 34 with a bridge (no connection to the highway);
– closure of the Hanlon Expressway intersection at Maltby Road / Concession Road 4;
– a new Hanlon interchange midway between Wellington Road 34 and Maltby Road/Concession Road 4 linking Wellington Road 34 on the west side of the Hanlon Expressway to Concession Road 7 on the east side of the Hanlon Expressway;
– reconstruction of the section of Concession Road 7 between the new interchange and Wellington Road 34;
– replacement of the Puslinch Concession Road 7 Bridge over Highway 401; and
– reconfiguration and expansion of the Wellington Road 46 (Brock Road) commuter parking lot.
Wozniak said further to the petition, “from Highway 401 to Maltby Road – the area is unique,” because of its richness of aquifers and artesian springs.
She contended work also fractured local bedrock, resulting in three local creeks drying up and impacting local wells and wetlands.
“Wetlands became dry as water was sucked up from the ground,” she said.
Wozniak asked where the water would come from for Heritage Lake homes, many of which use shallow wells.
“MTO is working with a 30-year-old plan … the maps show no homes, only farmland at Heritage Lake,” she said. “People built homes in the area because of the easy access to Highway 401.”
Wozniak said area residents deserve a one-on-one meeting with MTO representatives. She wants the meeting to include all residents affected – not just those involved in property land purchases through the MTO.
Councillor Susan Fielding said “I think the MTO has made itself available … and it’s my understanding the detailed design is still continuing.”
Councillor John Sepulis noted there was a meeting being set for this fall regarding the preliminary design.
Councillor Matthew Bulmer said he understands the concern about the age of the study.
“Possibly down the road if council or residents are not satisfied with the process as it unfolds … it may be a more appropriate time ask for a sit down meeting with them,” he said.
Mayor Dennis Lever agreed the township has already asked for a different format for the upcoming meeting with MTO – including a more broad-based question and answer session.
He suggested it might be to Wozniak’s benefit to ask the MTO to answer her questions for the meeting.
