Growing Pains on Sunningdale Road: How London, ON is Adapting

As the burgeoning city of London, ON, sees more development applications, particularly for subdivisions along Sunningdale Road, local infrastructure needs critical attention. As Ward 7 Councillor Corrine Rahman points out, the growth, without corresponding transit and road upgrades along Sunningdale Road, is a burgeoning concern.

One recent proposal by Corlon Properties exemplifies this growth. If approved, the development will introduce 1,360 new living units to the area, including single-family homes, multi-family dwelling lots, and mixed-use buildings. This project will transform 51 hectares of green space bordered by Sunningdale Road to the south and Wonderland Road to the west, impacting the neighboring Sunningdale Golf Course.

The city has long planned to widen the stretch of Sunningdale Road between Wonderland and Richmond to four lanes and add sidewalks. Yet, an underground pipeline issue near Richmond Street has delayed this important upgrade. Councillor Rahman, along with Mayor Josh Morgan, is actively working with Imperial Oil to find a resolution.

Adding to the infrastructure woes, this area lacks adequate public transit. The London Transit Commission (LTC) hasn't included Sunningdale Road in its recent five-year plan, despite Ward 7's pressing needs. LTC Chair Kelly Paleczny notes the possibility of leveraging assessment growth funds from new housing taxes to address transit gaps.

Local leaders like Rahman argue that early integration of transit in new subdivisions is essential. With Sunningdale Road's traffic issues and the ongoing push for development, the city's planning committee will discuss the proposed subdivision in detail at an upcoming public meeting.

As London continues to grow, city officials must carefully balance development with the essential upgrades to roadways and transit. Only then can the city accommodate its growing population while maintaining quality of life for its residents.