Rathburn-Ponytrail Integrated Road Project: Q & A with Councillor Fonseca

The below summary captures the Q & A with Councillor Fonseca at 2025 RRA AM on May 27th, 2025. 

Based on questions received in regards to the Rathburn Integrated Road Project Claudia Woodland posed the following question:

Question:  Residents feel that meaningful community input was NOT adequately incorporated into the decision-making process for this integrated project. To address this, could you share a couple of examples where one or two key priorities identified by residents directly influenced project decisions and specifically, how did these translate into tangible changes?

 Answer:  The Councillor responded:

• The project began 14 years ago in response to requests from the Rockwood Neighbours

• At that time, it was slated for resurfacing only

• In response to the needs of the neighbourhood:

o   The Hydro Corridor was formalized to stop dumping and illegal acts, and is now a beautiful walkway to enjoy

o   The 2013 flooding of the neighbourhood was partially due to an aging infrastructure which has now been updated to handle storm water

o   Speeding on Rockwood Village Roads was an ongoing issue. Traffic Calming measures have been implemented to curb the ability to speed

o   Rathburn Rd, especially, was one large asphalt and concrete slap jungle. The neighbours had requested greening of the area. The greening has begun with final tree Canapé still being planted this season

Question: Accident Trends and Construction Site Safety Oversight:  Data suggests increase in accidents and injuries during the second timeframe, coinciding with the road construction phase Wooland posed the following questions

a.    What were the safety issues that contributed to the rise in incidents?

b.    Going forward in this and other projects, and based on “lessons learned” what measures will the City implement to improve the safety and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists during these construction phases

Answer: Councillor Fonseca will gather responses from the appropriate City officials and provide a report back to us. 

Questions From the Floor

 Question: The Rathburn extension was a very dangerous road and has now become a nightmare.   Lately a Firetruck had to be guided out. The neighbours are requesting the removal of the curbs.

 Answer:  Councillor Fonseca is aware that the road infrastructure is different but all departments including the fire department were included in the planning and determined that winter maintenance and navigation by fire trucks is possible

With time restrictions many questions could not be asked.  However, the Councillor has replied in writing.  To view all questions and their answers on the Rathburn/Ponytrail IP click HERE.