Library Lane solution still at bay

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A solution to deal with issues associated with the Library Lane walkway is still at bay.

Council heard a deputation from area businesses late last year, raising concerns associated with public safety, uneven surfaces in the brick walkway and drainage of the walkway towards businesses at One Library Lane. Council asked staff to look into the issue and report back with possible solutions. That report, presented at the Jan. 27 meeting, suggested installing better lighting in the walkway and installing convex mirrors to allow the public to see anyone potentially hiding behind the pillars supporting the roof. The cost of the changes was $5,000.

Coun. Chris Rosehart questioned how the drainage issue was going to be dealt with.

“We did have it looked at by public works and parks and they concerned me they would be able to make it level,” said Andrea Greenway, Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy questioned if the mirrors were breakable and how concerns about the potential for someone hiding behind the pillars was addressed.

Greenway said the lighting and mirrors would address the safety concerns associated with a person hiding. She said the mirrors are pretty sold can be broken.

Gilvesy recalled the issue being discussed several years ago and money being set aside for the walkway.

Chris Baird, the acting Director of Public Works said in his former role as Acting Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks, said a plan was put together to deal with the walkway but there wasn’t money to fund the initiative.

Coun. Chris Parker suggested referring the issue back to staff until that plan is looked at.

“I don’t know if we want to put money into this until we see the conceptual plan,” he said mentioning the possibility of removing the roof and pillars from the walkway in the future.

Since public safety is one of the big concerns relating to the issue, Coun. Kelly Spencer questioned if there are known attacks in the area. She said if this is a problem, perhaps quick action is needed on the lights and mirrors.

Coun. Pete Luciani mentioned past concerns with drugs and related paraphernalia in the area. He said a report should look at how bad that issue is.

End of life for the walkway roof is 2028 in the town’s capital budget. Gilvesy questioned the logic of putting money into the walkway if it would be torn down in three years.

Council agreed to refer the issue back to staff for examination into past plans for the area.