A proposed walking path behind residences bordering the Meadow Lake golf course has been cancelled after pushback from residents in the area. (Submitted photo/City of Meadow Lake)

By Elliott Knopp

Cancelled Path

City of Meadow Lake cancels southside walking path proposal

Jul 6, 2021 | 9:45 AM

Following a public hearing from residents living on the south side of the city bordering the Meadow Lake Golf Club, Meadow Lake City Council has opted to not build a walking path in the area. Along with this announcement, the city stated it will retain the ownership of the grassy area behind the residences.

Earlier this year, the city was approached by several residents requesting that the city cancel the construction of a walking path behind their homes and leave the area as bare grass. They cited a loss of privacy, a hazard to pedestrians from the golf course and the presence of an existing walkway in front of the homes as some of the concerns with the proposed development.

After listening to their concerns at the public hearing, Mayor Merlin Seymour said council moved to discontinue the potential development and retain possession of the land as the current arrangement would better serve the city and those living in the area.

“There were a bunch of letters submitted by residents in the affected area, basically with that, we’re leaving it status quo. A majority of the residents do mow that area to keep it nice and tidy,” Seymour stated.

He added public workers do tend to the area throughout the year, but on a less frequent basis than other areas that require more attention.

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One resident involved in the discussion, Geoffrey Barton, inquired about how the development would’ve impacted the insurance rates for the homes had the proposal been welcomed by those involved. While he wasn’t opposed to the idea of taking on the extra land, he questioned how the acquisition would affect potential landscaping projects being explored by the Fairway Court Condo Corporation and Home Renovation Tax Credit.

“I live in the condos there, so it would’ve been a pretty easy transaction if the city wanted to sell it. We weren’t too worked up, because I don’t think anything really would’ve changed regardless,” Barton shared.

“Once you get going in behind the houses, that’s where it became really complicated. That was the deciding factor. It wasn’t that it was so much what worked for us, but you have to figure out a deal for everyone, and it became too much.”

“I think it was a pretty wise financial decision to not spend a pile of money on a redundant walking route. The walking route we would’ve been more vocal on, because why have a sidewalk in front of your place and a path behind?”

While residents in the area often assist with maintaining the land, the city stated the responsibility of maintaining the area will remain under the city’s scope.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp