Parks and Trails Committee Faces a Barrage of Questions

on August 13
The Parks and Trails Advisory Committee met on August 13th and faced a barrage of questions from some residents concerned with the Copway Expansion of the Trail system.

Pat Luscombe expressed strong opinions about the conduct of the Committee but predicated them with, "All comments are being made without prejudice".    She went on to say that, "Based on my experiences, I understand the real hesitance of others to come forward ... residents distrust the work of this Committee."

Luscombe questioned the purpose of the Copway part of the trail being used as a beach access and suggested that taxpayers' money was being wasted on the project.  It is expected the section will cost $40,000.  She also raised the issue of trail having to cross Bruce Road 13, a road she viewed as being a busy thoroughfare comparing it to the Rail Trail crossing on Hwy 21 near Highberry Farms.  "This is a recipe for disaster," she said.

Bruce Alexander, President of the Rail Trail organization, felt that, "There are lots of informal areas that people use that need to formalized and posted with signage and brought up to standard. Copway will give the community a link to the beach."

According to Mike Myatt, Director of Community Services and committee member of Parks and Trails, informed the meeting that letters had been sent to 200 residents in the area that would be affected by the Copway initiative and approximately only 15 had replied.

Town Council representative on the Committee, Vice-Deputy Mayor Doug Gowanlock expressed that, "We have talked about beach access at many meetings and we made a commitment as a Council to ensure recreation and beach access to residents."

Alexander said however, "It is our responsibility to consider the wishes of the town and residents, particularly regarding safety and, therefore, it is our responsiblity to put measures in place." He also explained that, "Most of our experience is that for the most part, once the Trail is up and running, there is very little opposition."

As a result of Harold Sutherland Construction doing the preliminary groundwork for the Wal-Mart develop, the Rail Trail behind the developing site has been closed to accommodate the many trucks hauling gravel from the pit behind the Rail Trail to the developing site.    Mike Myatt was questioned as to whether or not Sutherland would be restoring the trail and he explained that a verbal agreement had been negotiated although there was nothing in writing.  Sutherland has, in fact, taken out the line of fencing and has encroached on county land.  Myatt explained that, "We came in late asking for a contribution (from Sutherland) but he has done previous sections of the Trail with stone dust and he should come forward when it comes time to restore this section."

(continued)

The Trail link behind the Wal-Mart development has been deemed the most expensive at $125,000.  The Gore Drain ditch is the next priority for the Advisory Committee for 2009 - 2010.  The Rotary Club has committed a substantial donation and, therefore, wants to make sure that the Drain is a high priority.  The cost however is expected to be considerable.

Gowanlock, said, "It (Gore Drain) is the most important part but it will be very difficult to get any money out of the Town and the Committee should begin fundraising."

Succession planning has also become a key issue surrounding the committee as the members are coming to the end of their terms and the Striking Committee will, in the fall, begin to ask for residents and potential members to put their names forward for committee selection.  While some expressed that consistency is a good thing, others also raised the issue that having new people come forward can also be beneficial.

Gowanlock explained to the committee that, "Your mandate is to make recommendations to Council.  For instance, we have heard these submissions tonight.  As a Councillor, my feeling is we have to say 'no' to them.  We are going to do what we think is doing the most good for the most people.

Fred Shildroth, Councillor, said that, "There is a common misconception that what is in the Master Plan is what is being done.  The Master Plan can change.  Other misconceptions are that there is a requirement for Council to do user surveys before making decisions.  If the Commitee wishes to change, they have to tell Council that they want to change.  The Parks and Trails Master Plan was received by Council and it is a living document that will keep changing.  Priorities are not cast in stone.  They can be changed based on the a number of things.  I think we should be put forward a complete list of cost savings incurred by making changes."

"The presentation tonight," said Gowanlock, "made us think and a letter of appreciation should be sent out but also stating that we are still going ahead with the decision that has already been made[Copway expansion].