Council and residents approve design for emergency access road
By Anneleen Naudts

King council and local residents saw eye-to-eye on the design of the emergency access road connecting Kaake road to the Dawsco development in Nobleton.

Council approved, in principle, the design recommended by the Township operations department. The selected design offered the most visible deterrents to dissuade motorists from entering the road, stated the report.

The design included one side taper, cautionary signage, a raised road platform, patterned concrete and an all-way stop at the intersection.

In a brief statement, Charlie Wilson, who spoke on behalf of Kaake Road residents, said he supported the design.

Deborah Walker from MHBC Planning, said that after reviewing the report, she supported the design proposal. It is "the right way forward," she said.

Council considered whether it would also be useful to name the emergency access road Kaake Court.

Councillor Cleve Mortelliti, who put the suggestion on the table, said that a Court extension would be another visual cue to deter motorists from entering the road.

To get a sense of the feasibility of the Court extension, council turned to Township Clerk Chris Somerville and Fire Chief Bryan Burbidge.

Somerville concurred that when roads are named courts, this indicates they are not thorough streets.

Councillor Jack Rupke asked the fire chief if changing the name of a section of Kaake could cause any confusion for emergency staff. Burbidge replied there may be some confusion with emergency staff who are less familiar to the area.

Council will address the name of the road at a later meeting, once it has heard suggestions from the Dawsco developers. As part of planning requirements, Dawsco has to receive the Region's approval on naming the roads. At that time, council will have a chance to make a suggestion, said Somerville.