By Lyonel Doherty, Times-Chronicle
An Oliver strata corporation’s concern about trespassers has prompted the Town to conduct an inventory of access points to the hike and bike trail.
On Jan 24 council heard from Riverside Villas treasurer Jane Marcelet who outlined a concern about public access through what is technically private property in the Meadows area.
Marcelet requested council’s help with signage or the cost of marking their streets “so we can show the limits of the boundaries of what the access should be so people become aware that this is private property . . . not everybody’s lawn.”
She also requested that council provide snowplowing service. “It would be a huge benefit to us because this is an enormous job,” she said.
In addition, she sought help with enforcement to help control pedestrian traffic in the area.
Marcel said the 22 owners are serious about mitigating some problems including foot traffic and pets. The idea is not to allow pedestrian access unless they have mobility issues, she noted.
Randy Houle, the Town’s director of development services, confirmed that this access point through Riverside is private property. But he noted this could be interpreted in different ways.
Houle said it wouldn’t make sense to allow people to access this area at night.
Marcelet said they could erect a gate but that would be a costly endeavour.
“We are only 22 people and it would be a significant burden to do anything fancy.”
She pointed out that the strata currently has no rights in this situation.
Councillor Dave Mattes said he feels for the strata’s predicament but noted you have to consider the rights of the public and what was negotiated 30 years ago.
Mattes questioned if the Town closed this trail access point, would the strata think it would be okay to move all that traffic in front of other people’s property?
Marcelet pointed out this would be public property. But Mattes responded he has a concern about giving up access this to the popular trail.
“I really don’t see solutions that will work well for everyone,” he said, adding the trail is a benefit to the whole community and council had the foresight 30 years ago to create access to it.
Councillor Petra Veintimilla called for an inventory of access points and how many are on public property and how many enter strata properties.
She also suggested investing in signage to inform the public about the issue, and maybe a gate to restrict access to one person at a time.
Fellow Coun. Aimee Grice sympathized with the strata, saying a gate, similar to one located nearby, would likely act as a deterrent for people not to walk through there.
Houle said there are six or seven access points to the hike and bike trail, all within Town limits.
Director of Operations Shawn Goodsell said Public Works could help out the strata by providing snow-plowing service, but a gate would hinder that.
“It would be difficult to police that area when people go through there early in the morning or at night.”
Chief Administrative Office Ed Chow agreed, saying enforcement would be a big issue. But he noted the town could provide options such as signage.
Marcelet asked if the Town could remove that public easement altogether.
But Houle said the more access to the trail the better to promote walkability.
Marcelet invited members of council to take a look at what the strata is facing.
In the end, council directed staff to conduct an inventory of trail access points in the area.
