(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Cost for Closure

Walkway closure policy approved by city council

Jul 19, 2021 | 8:00 AM

A policy regarding closing public walkways has been approved by Prince Albert city council. Most applicants who want a public walkway near their home closed off are motivated by concerns over crime and safety related to walkway traffic.

The policy was approved by a vote of 6-3 with councilors Ted Zurakowski, Blake Edwards, and Dennis Ogrodnick voting for it not to go forward.

It will require applicants to submit a $500 fee when applying for a walkway to closed.

“I think it deters people from bringing their concerns forward,” Coun. Blake Edwards said at the meeting. “I think this is a way to put a muzzle on people. I think the cost to apply is too much.

“I’m not against a walkway closure policy, I think we need it. I just don’t agree with the cost.”

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According to the council agenda package, walkway closures are costly, complex, involve many different processes and agencies and they are generally driven by emotion. Having a policy that clearly identifies closure criteria and steps will help manage expectations and ensure that the process and the cost are not a surprise.

“I see the $500 and ask myself, “why?”,” Coun. Ted Zurakowski said. “Should there be something? Sure. But I am having trouble with the $500, to wrap my head around that.”

Prior to the application being submitted, city staff will investigate the walkway regarding its connection to community amenities, and if improved light and the removal of tree branches can improve the safety. Once the investigation is done, if the resident would like to move forward, the application to close the walkway can be submitted.

“After we do our detailed review, if the choice is to withdraw the application, that is $300 to be refunded to the applicant,” Craig Guidinger, city director for planning and development services said at the meeting. “They won’t be stuck with the $500 bill.

“People who end up moving ahead with the closure are very serious about it and they are quite pleased to pay the $500 in the end.”

Once the application is received the city will then send out a notice to residents living within 200 meters of the path to gather feedback on the potential closure.

The final stage will be a city administered report on the potential closure which will be considered by council, with the decision being decided by a vote.

Closing of walkways has come up at city council many times in the past.

Dawson.thompson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @dawsonthompson8