Plans moved ahead for East Hill development and Red Deer’s future expressway.
Red Deer city council approved planning documents related to the East Hill Major Area Structure Plan on Monday.
Some residents questioned the need and location for an eventual six-lane expressway embedded in the major plan at a public hearing.
They voiced concerns about property values and lifestyle changes.
Others offered support for the plans and raised concerns about access into commercial areas and into school sites.
Councillors said they have to plan for the future.
They said the land has been purchased and there is a need to protect the right-of-way.
Councillors also noted that the possibility of needing six lanes is decades away.
Coun. Paul Harris unsuccessfully tried to change the wording of an expressway to an arterial roadway.
Harris said the expressway is too costly for a road the city may never need.
Lanes will be phased in over time based on population and development of the East Hill.
Two lanes are expected to be drivable as early as 2018. Adding lanes would be subject to funding and council approval.
The city also adopted:
• revised neighbourhood design principles to reflect unique neighbourhoods
• integrated parks and community spaces, mixed land uses
• compact urban form and density, multi-modal choice, resilient and low-impact neighbourhoods
• safe and secure neighbourhoods
• housing opportunity and choice
• natural areas and ecosystem enhancement.
Councillors said these mesh with the sustainability plans and current objectives.
The changes were brought forward to align planning documents and to incorporate 2009 annexation area, about 15-quarter sections on the east side of the city.