As the argument over roundabouts in Waterloo Region continues, one Cambridge councillor plans to put forward a motion to condemn the plans.

City Councillor Nicholas Ermeta has put forward a notice of motion regarding the region’s roundabout plans on Franklin Boulevard.

“I think that when we get knocked down we need to stand up for ourselves…I put forward this notice of motion to get the region’s attention.”

A similar motion introduced by Ermet has already been passed by city council, but in that case it was focused only on a proposed roundabout at Franklin Boulevard and Saginaw Parkway.

In May, council moved to quash the proposed roundabout, but now Ermeta wants a condemnation of the entire project.

He says the region plans to add up to a dozen roundabouts to Franklin Boulevard in two phases.

The first phase was supposed to include three traffic circles in 2014, followed by a public consultation.

But Ermeta claims that first phase has doubled in size and six roundabouts will be built before the region can gauge public reaction.

Franklin Boulevard is a regional road, so Ermeta wants city council to condemn the decision to increase phase one and push regional council to reconsider.

He then hopes “they’ll have a full public review before going further.”

Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig says he’ll support the condemnation of phase one plan.

“It wasn’t in step with what the city, or what the people of Cambridge wanted.”

But Regional Councillor Jim Wideman says the plan has always been for six roundabouts and an early push for three was never approved.

The improvements are needed on Franklin Boulevard, Wideman adds, to manage increased traffic flow. He points to Ira Needles Boulevard as a successful example.

He adds that if Cambridge council considers road widening instead, there will be challenges.

“If we decide to do that, they would have disruption over one more construction season.”

Ermeta insists construction isn’t the issue, it’s about the city’s voice being heard, “I think we clash and I think it would be good if they could try to understand us more.”

The notice of motion regarding roundabouts will go to city council in September.

After that, a regional councillor other than Craig will need to present the motion to Waterloo Region council as he cannot after already voting against the original motion.