King Street parkette swinging back into action
Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Following a report by clerk Debbie Leroux, council voted Monday to retain the King Street parkette "indefinitely."
A year ago, council considered a staff report recommending that the parkette be declared surplus and that the property be sold. Council also considered rezoning the property from Recreational Open Space to Residential, and in December a public planning meeting was held to consider the rezoning, but the rezoning never took place.
Leroux's report said sale of the property was held up because it has no water or sewer services available, which would impact the property's value. The report said servicing the land would be expensive and its sale would not offset the cost of the servicing. Last year, it was suggested adjacent property owners could buy the parkette in lots to add to their property boundaries, but Monday's report said the neighbours, while interested, wanted to know how much they would have to pay
Leroux's report said the parkette will require several improvements and ongoing maintenance efforts. Leroux recommended that a six-foot high privacy fence replace the existing fences along the parkette’s perimeter at an estimated cost of approximately $30,000. It was also recommended picnic tables and garbage cans be installed; regular grass cutting and landscaping take place and a proposed mini forest be established.
In addressing the report, Mayor Dave Barton said council had listened to the residents in the area. Councillor Todd Snooks, in whose ward the parkette is located, said council had pivoted and come up with "a great compromise."
Councillor Willie Popp said the parkette was saved because council "made an adjustment."
In a unanimous vote, councillors decided to keep the parkette indefinitely.
Gerry Oldham, who has been an advocate of the parkette for decades, said she was pleased with the final decision.
"It's been a long fight," she said, noting she has been battling to preserve the parkette for more than 40 years. She said that in that time she has brought her three children and nine grandchildren to the parkette.