There was a lot of talk around active transportation at tonight’s (Tuesday) Smithers Council meeting.
This was for both the Princess Street project and looking for funding to add a multi-use pathway to Main Street.
On October 10th, WSP held an open house to gather public feedback on the four options which were compiled and presented at the meeting.
The most popular was to have a multi-use pathway with one side of on-street parking.
Other issues brought up were about vehicle sightlines when leaving their driveway and cyclist visibility on the path.
“The first option would be to just ensure there’s enough sightlines from that driveway that they can see the multi-use pathway in both directions but if there’s something like a large fence, we have the option to pull the path closer to the road,” said WSP Engineer in Training Erica Haugland.
The project will return to council at their November 12th meeting.
For Main Street, the multi-use path would run from 10th Avenue intersection to Highway 16, allowing for a connection from the Cycle 16 trail to the downtown area.
A concern about both projects was brought up by Councilor Frank Wray.
“Adding all this new infrastructure when we haven’t been taking care of the stuff we already have concerns me a little bit,” he said.
Director of Development Services Mark Allen added the project would add more than just the path.
“This would include a curb and gutter being constructed and boulevard similar to what you saw on the Princess Street multi-use pathway design,” he said.
Council approved for staff to apply for funding through the province’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Grant.
They also approved for the town to invest $175,000 into the total $500,000 project.
Something going on in the Bulkley Valley Lakes District you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
