Huntsville approves Chaffey Township Rd reconstruction project

Council debated whether to add a concrete sidewalk and instead opted for an asphalt shoulder

Huntsville Council approved the Chaffey Township Road reconstruction project, in the February 23, 2026, meeting.

Council was asked to provide direction on pedestrian infrastructure options as part of the ongoing design work for the project that will also have an impact on residential properties.

Staff said they’re dealing with a tight roadway and issues such as hydro lines on one side and a creek on the other side.

They continued that road widening will also cause negative impacts on people’s lawns “and trees that have to come down.” They added, “These are the challenges with existing infrastructure.”

According to the staff report, the road is identified in Huntsville's Sidewalk Master Plan as a missing link in the community's pedestrian network, prompting staff to review options that would improve safety and connectivity along the corridor.

Two pedestrian infrastructure options were evaluated as part of the design process. The first would see the construction of an asphalt-paved shoulder intended for seasonal pedestrian use during the spring, summer, and fall months. Under this option, the shoulder would be delineated using removable pedzone markers and would revert to snow storage during winter operations.

The second option would involve the construction of a permanent concrete sidewalk as part of the reconstructed roadway, providing year-round pedestrian access consistent with the Sidewalk Master Plan. However, staff note this option would require additional road widening, increasing the potential for encroachment into Gypsy Bill Creek, a regulated watercourse. That encroachment could trigger additional environmental permitting requirements and introduce scheduling risks, potentially delaying construction from 2026 to 2027.

From a cost perspective, staff estimate the asphalt shoulder option at approximately $1.93 million, while the concrete sidewalk option is projected at $2.16 million, including a 20 per cent contingency. Staff caution that the concrete option could increase in cost depending on permitting outcomes and further environmental constraints. Currently, $1 million has been allocated to the Chaffey Township Road project in the 2026 capital budget.

Staff reported that funding was approved in the 2025 capital budget to complete detailed design work for the project, with remaining funds carried forward into 2026.

Council amended the recommendation in favour of using asphalt instead of concrete for the sidewalks. It adds, “The additional cost of up to $1,160,000 be funded through the existing roads capital budget funding by reorganization of capital projects.”

Staff added that the project is slated to be completed this year.