Hamilton City Council won’t rush to widen parkways

The debate over whether to move quickly with plans to widen two arterial roadways in Hamilton hit a brick wall last night.

Stoney Creek Councillor Doug Conley wants the city to take advantage of infrastructure money promised by the new federal government to study expanding the Lincoln Alexander and Red Hill Valley Parkways.

But lower city councillors and Mayor Fred Eisenberger dismissed the idea, saying that city staff are already studying whether widening the the two parkways is needed within the next 10 years.

Councillor Terry Whitehead believes the current gridlock, especially during rush hour, may deter businesses who rely on “just in time deliveries” from locating in the city’s business parks.

But council decided to refer the issue to the on-going master transportation plan, which is expected to be completed next year.