A public meeting on a community trail network for biking and walking here was attended by a small but vocal group Wednesday night.
About a dozen local residents came out to the meeting at the East End Hall to discuss what the town should be looking at in terms of a trail network.
They also heard a presentation from Michael Haynes, national active transportation co-ordinator for “Go for Green,” a national non-profit organization which encourages healthy outdoor physical activity that protects or enhances the environment.
Haynes explained how a more active lifestyle benefits communities, and how a trail network can be an important part of encouraging citizens to get healthier.
“Active transportation is any form of transportation that requires human power,” he explained, whether it be walking, biking, in-line skating, kayaking, or anything else.
The goal is to encourage people to incorporate these activities into their daily lives, rather than trying to set aside special time to do them. For example, walking or biking to work or to pick up a few groceries rather than driving.
“Trails are a key component to the active transportation infrastructure of any community,” Haynes stressed.
In a discussion following his presentation, several citizens spoke up regarding what improvements they would like to see made to the town.
One resident noted in her neighbourhood (from First Street West to Fourth Street West near J.W. Walker and St. Francis schools), the sidewalks only run east-west.
As a result, many parents won’t let their children walk or bike to school due to safety concerns, though it’s a short journey.
Another resident suggested the La Verendrye Parkway be extended all the way to the end of Pither’s Point Park.
Yet another said people should be reminded of the rules of the road, as many people ride their bicycles on the sidewalk when they should be on the street.
Others asked about the possibility of having a walking trail over the CN tracks to facilitate travel between the north and south ends of town.
Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft said he would like to see a trail linking the west end of town to the waterfront, and noted municipal planner Faye Flatt had suggested linking up the public parks.
Coun. Tannis Drysdale said the town has applied for funding, and hopes to hire a consultant to help set priorities and begin the work incrementally.
(Fort Frances Daily Bulletin)
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
