Lyonel Doherty, Times-Chronicle
The Town of Oliver is developing a consistent signage strategy for all public pedestrian walkways to the hike and bike trail.
That was the approved motion of council on Feb. 28 as members discussed trail access in the wake of recent concerns expressed by Riverside Villas. The strata corporation previously raised an issue with pedestrians going through private property to access the trail and suggested that signage and a gate could remedy this.
Town staff completed an inventory of all access points to the trail within town boundaries.
Randy Houle, director of development services, provided three options. One is adding signage with no gate. But he informed council that the strata erected its own sign at the entrance of the trail that reads: “Private property. Enter at your own risk.”
Houle said this was not approved by the Town and deters people from entering which is not the intent of the original right-of-way agreement. For this reason, the sign should be removed, he said, noting the wording of the new sign should read” “Pedestrian access only between dawn and dusk.” Houle said there should be no reference to private property as it is a public right-of-way.
In addition, it was previously reported the strata wanted the Town to clear snow from the trail to Redwing Place.
The second option is adding signage with a gate to the path. Houle said this would be a solid gate at a cost of approximately $2,000.
The third option is closing the public access altogether. But Houle said this is not recommended since it will increase access in other areas which may result in further complaints.
Councillor Aimee Grice said she didn’t think a sign or a gate would deter people from going through the neighbourhood.
It will happen regardless, she pointed out.
Councillor Dave Mattes said he wants to encourage and make people feel welcome to use the hike and bike trail, therefore, he doesn’t favour a gate. But he respects that the pathway goes through private property and favours a sign indicating this, asking pedestrians to remain on the path.
Mattes also recommended using paint to mark the pathway. But as for snow removal on private property, he doesn’t agree, saying if the Town started doing that, it could start removing snow from his property too.
Fellow Coun. Larry Schwartzenberger said he is not in favour of closing the access in question, but does favour signage, however, he wonders why it should say “pedestrian only” when the trail is a hike and bike path. He noted that people should be allowed to walk their bikes to get to the trail.
Schwartzenberger also opposed the snow clearing request, saying that would set a precedence, leading to public works staff mowing someone’s lawn next.
It was noted that the nearby marsh access is pedestrian only because it’s a natural habitat area that shouldn’t accommodate people on bikes.
Mayor Martin Johansen said he favours keeping the Riverside Villas access open without a gate.
Councillor Petra Veintimilla said she wants to see a consistent signage strategy for all public access to the trail.
She suggested the use of bollards (posts) instead of fences to address the issue.
Veintimilla said Riverside Villas strata should be asked to remove their sign immediately because they weren’t authorized to erect it.
Johansen agreed.
This was subsequently added to the original motion.
