Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Responding to a deputation during Dec. 17’s regular meeting, Greater Napanee council voted to explore options for maintaining the walking trail along the Napanee River throughout the winter.
The motion stemmed from a deputation by Leeanne Stinson, who requested that the town maintain the Springside park path throughout the winter as a way to promote residents to stay active through the winter.
Peter Dafoe, general manager for infrastructure services with the town, said the area would be impossible to snowplow, citing both the terrain and environmental concerns for salt leaking into the river.
“The five different routes that we currently do for winter maintenance, we’re struggling with now,” Dafoe added. “If council wants to consider doing a bit more, we’d really have to look at operations and cost and bring that back to you.”
Dafoe added that the town does maintain the track at the fairgrounds as an option for residents looking to do some walking throughout the winter.
Deputy mayor Max Kaiser suggested looking at options that don’t involve a snowplow.
“Maybe there’s another alternative to plowing,” said Kaiser. “I’m thinking of snowmobile trails, they get groomed to a point where there’s packed snow which makes it easier to walk …I’d be interested to know if there’s a feasible option that might give the walking ability without having to deal with the costs associated with (plowing).”
-Lennox and Addington County responded to Greater Napanee councillor Bob Norrie’s question as to whether or not it would be possible to restore the advance green to the lights at the intersection of Bridge and Centre. Norrie had put forward a motion to seek the answer from the county at a meeting last month. At the time he noted it was an issue of concern for several residents who wanted a return to the green arrow, which was in place prior to 2016.
The short answer is yes-though it would come at an estimated cost of $24,000 to the town. The county made it clear they have no intention of restoring the advance green and it would be up to the town to foot the bill. Town council opted not to bring the matter to their upcoming budget discussions.
-After hearing several complaints from residents not knowing about a Dec. 9 meeting on taxation, town council asked staff to review their communications process. CAO Ray Callery noted an evaluation to their communications process was already planned for January and those concerns would be brought forward. Mayor Marg Isbester made a friendly amendment, requesting staff explore the option of live streaming their council meetings.