Kawartha Lakes Councillors side with residents on Pottinger Street sidewalk plan

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Councillors have opted to scale back sidewalk plans for Pottinger Street, following pushback from local residents concerned about changes in their neighbourhood.

At their meeting, on Tuesday, June 24th, council voted in favour of proceeding with Option 2 which removes the planned sidewalk on the south side of Pottinger Street, as part of the ongoing reconstruction between Victoria Avenue and the west limit. The revised direction came in response to a petition and community feedback, gathered during public consultations.

The original design, developed by engineering consultants D.M. Wills Ltd., called for sidewalks on both sides of Pottinger Street, to improve pedestrian safety, especially for children walking to and from the nearby Queen Victoria Public School. However, some residents objected to the south-side sidewalk, citing concerns about loss of green space, parking, and neighbourhood character.

A petition, organized by local resident Gloria Palmateer and signed by 28 individuals, was received by council in April and referred to staff for review. That review culminated in Report 2025-017 which presented four options for council to consider. Option 2, the one ultimately chosen, eliminates the south-side sidewalk and saves the City approximately $35,000.

“Council has listened to the concerns of the neighbourhood,” said Deputy Mayor Charlie McDonald, who brought forward the motion. “This is about finding a balance between safety, cost, and respecting the established character of the area.”

Councillor Emmett Yeo seconded the motion and echoed Mr. McDonald’s sentiments, adding: “The consultation process did what it was supposed to do, give residents a voice. This compromise keeps costs down while still improving the street.”

While Option 2 does not fully address student safety concerns, raised by traffic staff, the decision includes additional steps to help mitigate risks. A follow-up motion was passed, directing staff to rehabilitate the nearby construction staging area, near Elgin Park, with gravel. The intent is to transform it into a drop-off zone for parents, with a more permanent parking lot to be considered during the 2026 budget deliberations.

“This will be a safe, convenient place for parents to drop off their kids which helps address the school traffic issues we’ve heard so much about,” Mr. McDonald added.

The sidewalk issue has been under discussion since 2022, when D.M. Wills Ltd. was awarded the contract to design upgrades for Pottinger Street. A public information centre was held in September 2024, and feedback gathered during that event led staff to recommend sidewalks on both sides of the road. However, the recent petition and continued concerns prompted council to revisit the plan.

Staff had noted sidewalks on both sides would best support pedestrian safety. “Pottinger Street experiences a high volume of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, during school arrival and dismissal,” stated the staff report. “Students often have to cross between parked vehicles which presents safety risks.”

Nonetheless, Council determined, Option 2 struck a more appropriate balance. The Pottinger Street upgrades are being carried out by GIP under a contract awarded earlier this year, with construction currently underway.

Despite the compromise, some councillors and staff acknowledged, the decision may not satisfy everyone.

“We’re doing our best to respond to the unique needs of each neighbourhood,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “No decision is perfect, but we’re confident this one reflects the will of the community.”

The gravel rehabilitation work, near Elgin Park, is expected to be completed alongside the main construction project. The longer-term parking lot proposal will come before council in 2026.