Council approves roundabout for east end subdivision

The City will spend over $5.2 million for the roundabout that will be on Hwy. 15 at Summer Valley Terrace.

Kingston council is ponying up the cash to install  a roundabout at the Highway 15 intersection at Summer Valley Terrace.

They've agreed to spend about $350,000 more than they originally budgeted, with the developer also covering some costs.

An expensive bullet to bite, says District 12 Councillor Ryan Boehme, but the benefits are plenty.

The intersection will serve a new subdivision being built in a former quarry. A roundabout was originally planned, with the developer pledging $375,000 and the city budgeting $3.8 million.

But now, the cost of the roundabout has jumped by more than $1.4 million. The full project would cost over $5.2 million due to highway realignment, infrastructure relocation, stormwater pond changes, and an environmental assessment.

The developer has offered to build the roundabout for $3.4 million, but the city still needed to increase its budget to cover remaining expenses.

An alternative option to the roundabout that staff put fourth was a four light intersection for about $1 million.

District 1 Councilor Gary Oosterhof said that option is simply the smarter choice.

Boehme says you can't decide which option's better by looking at the immediate cost. 

Boehme added about nine of every ten comments he's had from residents on the matter have been pro-roundabout, and part of their job as council is to listen to tax payers.

The motion passed 10-3 with Councillors Oosterhof, Jeff McLaren and Lisa Osanic opposed. 

Story by Grant Deme