The debate over the closure of Matchette Road will have to wait.
A report from the Windsor-Essex County Environment Committee was to be discussed at the committee level Wednesday night, but a motion by Councillor Paul Borrelli to defer it to city council was passed.
The report is calling for a pilot project which would see Matchette between Titcombe and Sprucewood Road closed in May and June and September and October to coincide with turtle nesting and snake migration seasons.
Borrelli says it's a big issue and should be debated by all of council.
"It'll be in front of city council. All ten of us, including the mayor of of course, will have to make a decision because Matchette Road is not an easy issue because it impacts on many, many aspects. There are turtles, snakes being killed everyday and we have to figure out how to mitigate this damage."
He says he's asked for a full report from administration as well.
"Very contentious issue. It impacts so many things. The Coco development is an example. The street has certain concerns, there are environmental aspects, there are species at risk and there are many, many ways of doing it. So this is where we have to have as much information so that we can make a proper decision."
The proposed seasonal closures for Matchette Road will be debated at a future city council meeting.
Residents and local nature groups have been pushing for the closure of Matchette near Ojibway Park due to the increased number of animals being hit by vehicles.