Red Deer City Council held a public meeting over the extension of Molly Bannister Drive yesterday on October 27th, 2020. The city reported 31 responses for the issue from people who argued either for or against the extension.  In the past, the city residents have remained very divided on the issue.

The extension of the road would mean the natural area of the Piper Creek corridor located east of Bower Mall would be disturbed by the construction of the road extension. The extension of the road was projected to be required when the population of Red Deer reaches 188,000 which the city estimates will be in 2054. To avoid future traffic congestion, the city proposes the road would be a solution.

The City’s statutory plans show the protected alignment as a four lane undivided arterial road, similar to 22 Street between 30 Avenue and 40 Avenue, bisecting Piper Creek.

On top of resident disputes, Melcor, the developer of the East Hill area requested to remove the road extension from the plans to make way for the development of a new neighbourhood.

City Council elected to keep the potential road as an option to accommodate traffic when the city’s population increases.

“The discussion of whether or not Molly Banister Drive should be extended has been a recurring topic for many years,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Dawe. “The Molly Banister Drive extension was first shown in City planning and transportation documents in the 1970’s, and after considering input from the many residents who joined us tonight or submitted feedback in advance, Council decided not to proceed with second and third reading, which keeps the protected alignment in development plans.”