Sudbury opposition to propose Maley Drive extension

A proposed $80 million extension to Maley Drive continues to have opposition in some quarters in Greater Sudbury, with two city groups reiterating their worries about the project.

The idea of a Maley Drive extension is not new and it is a project that has a 30 year history, and now would cost $80 million to complete. The idea of the road is to create a semi ring around North Sudbury and add an east-west route to The Kingsway and Lasalle Boulevard, linking Frood Road and College Boreal to Falconbridge Highway.

The Sudbury chapter of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons and Friendly to Seniors – Sudbury both insist that the project should not be eligible for federal infrastructure funding. The groups voiced their concerns in a joint press release, saying:

“Available information indicates that the project is not now, or never was, a prudent and responsible use of city and other government funds for the greater benefit of the city,” the groups said.

“Concerned about the future and well-being of our community, the groups have asked all locally elected representatives to seriously consider the implications of the project and that the city conducts a full and transparent public review.”

“There are only limited benefits for those in the north end of the city and none for the south or other areas. The consulting firm (AECOM, which presented a report to council in November) that used city staff supplied material to endorse the project had previously done design work for the new roadway, indicating a conflict of interest.

“Financing of the project plus operating and replacement costs will have to come out of present and future taxation levies. There has been no business case analysis with respect to what other projects would be of more value to the city including repair and maintenance of present infrastructure.”