An environmental assessment suggests Algonquin Highlands build a new road for a potential business park.
The Township of Algonquin Highlands is doing their research on the best way forward if it decides to build a business park within the Stanhope Municipal Airport.
To better understand what the options are for the municipality, Algonquin Highlands connected with C.C. Thatham a consulting firm who just finished its environmental assessment of the options available to the municipality when or if the business park gets built.
According to C.C. Tatham, the best course of action is to construct a new road for access to the business park. Thatham’s study suggests the options for the township are to build the road or construct the business park and have the access to the park be limited to Stanhope Airport Road.
In the 268 page document prepared by the consultants, is a pros and cons list which suggests the construction of a road would require “minor alterations” to the topography, whereas not building the road would leave the topography in the area remaining completely untouched. Also in the pros and cons was the idea that building the road will cost the township but alternatively the business park could create economic growth.
Tatham says they had six people come to the public consultation where they noted the sound and vibration of construction could have an impact on neighbouring properties. Thatham also took note someone said the creation of a business park would create employment opportunities. Thatham says, overall the feedback suggests the road could be built with proper design and mitigation to limit the impact on neighbours.
The public now has until January 5th to voice their concerns to the township.