The future of a long-planned roundabout at the Ludlow Road and Rocky Creek Road intersection was the focus of discussion at Ladysmith council’s Jan. 21 meeting, where council approved amendments that remove the developer’s obligation to build the roundabout while securing alternative traffic measures and a financial contribution.
The decision modified conditions originally set under Bylaws 2068 and 2069 and amended Covenant CB215820, which applies to 1130 Rocky Creek Rd., legally described as Lot 1, District Lots 24 and 38, Oyster District Plan EPP110197.
Under the revised agreement, the developer will provide $200,000 toward the roundabout’s eventual construction while implementing a series of traffic control measures to address safety concerns in the interim.
Council’s decision confirms its previous direction to staff to amend Covenant CB215820 and formally refer the proposal to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. As part of the approved amendments, access from Ludlow Road will be prohibited, and vehicles leaving the site will be limited to a right-turn exit until the roundabout is built. To further manage traffic flow, a temporary median will be built on Ludlow Road, and signage will be installed to prevent left-hand turns from 1010 Ludlow Rd. (Home Hardware) and U-turns at the Ludlow Road/Rocky Creek Road intersection.
The developer will also be required to provide cash-in-lieu contributions (a developer payment instead of physical improvements) for frontage improvements along Ludlow Road and Rocky Creek Road, payable at the time of building permit issuance. A temporary gravel pathway must also be constructed along the property’s frontage, as outlined in the proposed development permit.
Ashley Garib, representing the developer, addressed council and said the cost of building the roundabout had become prohibitive.
“In 2021, the estimated cost for the roundabout was $1.35 million. By the time we were ready to break ground in 2023, the cost had risen to $2.6 million,” Garib said.
Garib emphasized that multiple traffic studies conducted over six years had not identified a roundabout as a requirement for the development.
“The Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that our project does not necessitate or trigger the need for a roundabout,” he said.
He also pointed to previous financial contributions, including a land swap agreement in which the developer paid $170,000 to the town to facilitate land acquisition for the roundabout and urged council to approve the amendments.
Local business representatives present spoke to the amendment.
Sean Dunlop of Home Hardware said the changes would force customers exiting the store to travel 1.5 km down a logging road before being able to return to the highway.
“This will likely lead to customers making illegal U-turns, creating a high risk of severe accidents,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the impact on business operations, saying the added inconvenience could deter customers.
“We’ve been a vital business in Ladysmith for 14 years, employing 27 to 35 people and contributing over $1 million in property taxes,” Dunlop told council.
Another local business representative, Christine Copeland, warned that the proposed traffic restrictions would reduce accessibility and increase congestion in the area.
Ladysmith businessperson Cheri Macteir spoke in favour of the proposal, highlighting the potential to create jobs, support economic development and advance the growth and vibrancy of the community.
Resident Robert Johnson also supported the proposal, arguing the town should fund the roundabout to expedite development.
Ashley Garib clarified that many of the traffic pattern changes and recommendations were established in the approved application. He discussed potential timelines for roundabout construction and cost-sharing and emphasized that moving ahead with the project would bring the town closer to developing the waterfront area.
After hearing all public input and after consideration, council voted to approve the amendments. Council members cited financial and logistical considerations, emphasizing that while the roundabout remains a priority, the modifications ensure that contributions are still made toward its future construction.
The amendments will now proceed to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for final review.
