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Parks and Trails Committee submits an extensive report

Town Council

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Dave Cheer of the Parks and Trails Committee presented an extensive deputation to Town Council Monday night.

Cheer pointed out to Council that when the project began with a Parks and Trails Master Plan, consultants expected it would cost approximately $7 million. To date, the project is 80 per cent complete and only 20 per cent of the predicated dollar total has been used.

According to Cheers, there are specific areas that the Committee wants to address next year:
1 Scubby's Point
2 From the flag at High Street in Southampton to the harbour
3 A Trail Maintenance Policy should be developed
4 Enhancements such as washroom facilities, memorial gardens, picnic areas and trees should be planned for

For the complete deputation as presented to Council go to the following links:

Deputation click here

Photos

Volunteer accomplishments

At the end of the day, the Committee asked that Council continue to provide financial support.

 Vice-Deputy Mayor, Doug Gowanlock, congratulated the Committee and volunteers for what they had accomplished. "You have carried on with a vision that was limited and hard to imagine and it's a great example of what can happen when a bunch of dedicated volunteers gets together."

While Councilor Luke Charbonneau agreed that the group had expanded the recreational opportunities for the entire community, he expressed concern about the two areas where the trail crosses over Hwy. 21. Cheer said that the Committee too was concerned. "At the north end of town, we are wondering if it's possible to re-route the trail to cross at the lights closer to town. Also, at the south end because it will link to McGregor and the majority of visitors there bring bicycles with them. There is not doubt these are dangerous crossings and we are looking at options."

Mayor Mike Smith said that this was an unusual year as far as funding was concerned. "We were able to apply for and receive fundiing," he said, "and we are getting close to have the Master Plan completed, although there will always be work to do."
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Monday, November 23, 2009