Roundabout

Rossmore’s proximity to Belleville has largely shaped its development patterns for almost 200 years. A new secondary plan seeks to make Rossmore a destination rather than a village one passes through on their way somewhere else.

Planning a better Rossmore

Will a traffic circle save Rossmore? Rossmore is viewed, by some, as the County’s forgotten urban centre— urban in County context that it consists of a cluster of retail, commercial and residential properties.

Its geographic location directly across the Bay of Quinte from Belleville has largely shaped the development of Rossmore in its history. In the 19th century, as many as 1,200 people lived in Rossmore—then largely a timber port.

The first toll bridge connecting Rossmore to Belleville was constructed in 1891. But by then, Rossmore’s timber trade was in decline and with it the village’s population.

During its timber-driven heyday—Ridley Street served as a thriving main street. But fire destroyed many of these buildings. Ridley no longer serves as main street.

Currently, none of the streets in Rossmore exhibit or function like a main street, according to a draft report of the Rossmore secondary plan. The village is divided by Highway 62 and the existing built form does not appear to lend itself to the creation of a sense or community identity, write the authors of the report presented to a committee of council last week.

Among the ideas floated by the planning consultants was the construction of a traffic circle at the corner of highways 62 and 28, a few hundred metres south of the bridge, bookending the commercial and retail core of the village. This will have the effect of slowing traffic, while creating a gateway to the County, say the consultants.

MAKING MAIN STREET
It was an idea that Ameliasburgh councillor Dianne O’Brien predicted would be well-received among residents and business in and around the village.

Consultant John Uliana said more needs to be done to develop Rossmore’s core. His report suggests the development of sidewalks and the elimination of ditches that separate the retail stores from the street. Furthermore, development along this core should be encouraged closer to the street.

“This will, of course, take time,” said Uliana. According to a survey of 49 residents, most value the proximity of retail and amenities—yet many are eager to see a grocery store emerge in their community. Residents are most keen to see an expanded array of utilities available in their community—including natural gas, sewers and transit to and from Belleville.

Two thirds of respondents said they regularly access services and amenities in Belleville. Only two per cent said they regularly travel to Picton for the basic needs.

OUTSIDE THE BOX
O’Brien was concerned the planning area under consideration by the plan was too small and that it ought to extend to the marshlands before FenwoodGardens. Uliana explained that his assignment was limited to by the historic boundaries. Unsatisfied O’Brien pushed for a better explanation.

It was left to Robert McAuley, the County’s planning, roads and engineering chief to explain that his department weighed the risks and benefits of extending Rossmore’s boundaries southward—but opted against it.

Once the boundaries become open for review, McAuley worries that provincial officials may seek to narrow the village limits, rather than expand them, reasoning that Rossmore currently has more developable lands than can be justified by its existing growth rate.

Fellow Amelisaburgh councillor Nick Nowitski wanted to know that if Rossmore was, in fact, considered the County’s fourth urban settlement area—would builders in that market receive the discounted development and connection charges available in Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington.

Uliani sidestepped the question, saying it was best answered by a different consultant.

“That’s Watson’s expertise,” said Uliani.

No one else intervened to offer an answer.

A draft secondary plan suggests a traffic circle at the above intersection will have a calming influence upon traffic passing through Rossmore.