By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
After receiving a number of inquiries from residents regarding the lack of snow clearing through the City’s vast network of trails, Councillor Jim Locke clarified the City’s stance on the matter last week.
The City chooses to groom, rather than clear, trails in the nearly 60-kilometer network, Locke explained, packing down the snow to make it traversable by foot, snowshoe, or ski. Key areas include Power’s Pond, the Sunrise Avenue Trails, and the T’Railway.
“They’re very widely used and it’s a great service that we provide,” said Locke.
The councilor added that while the City does have the capability to clear the trail network, its vast mileage would require extra manpower, equipment, and salt that would come with a hefty taxpayer price tag.
“We get the rain events like we have right now and they would ice over, then you'd have to maintain it,” Locke said. “As a compromise some years back, council agreed to invest in snow grooming equipment, where we don't actually remove the snow, but compact it down.”
Mayor Dave Aker was in agreement with Locke’s sentiments.
“I think there’s a high satisfaction level with our snow clearing and the balance we've struck between streets, sidewalks, and ultimately winter use is safe in the city as well as a bit of fun at times too,” he said.
As of last week's council meeting, trail grooming in the city was ongoing as weather conditions allowed.
