The master plan is coming together, base mapping has been completed and last Wednesday evening was a good time to receive more public input regarding the development of pedestrian/cyclist pathways in Estevan.
Laureen Snook and Sean Nailer of Crosby Hanna and Associates of Regina, who have been contracted to assist the City in developing a comprehensive pathway system, were on hand to deliver an update on the project and to pick up additional information from the general public regarding interest in, and use of, civic pathways.
Snook explained that following stakeholder input, there would be a physical context analysis as well as a check made regarding legal issues that might surface with the continuation of an ambitious walking path system, along with any land ownership issues or waterway items that could crop up.
She said that process would evolve into a preliminary master plan, followed by more public input before a final master plan would be presented to the City.
"We're looking for information from everyone including walkers, runners, bicyclists, rollerbladers, seniors, naturalists anyone who might want to use these paths," said Snook, in speaking to about 20 people who had gathered in the conference room at City Hall.
Various types of materials that can be used or were already being used for the surfaces include asphalt, concrete, softer infills like sand and crushed dust and wood chips. Snook said the surface will dictate the type of use the path receives.
"There is an ample opportunity in Estevan to add more pathways," Snook said.
Building bicycle paths parallel to existing roads, is one favourite example of add-on use. Amenities such as benches, trash containers, shade structures (including trees), interpretive panels, bicycle racks, viewing points, night lighting, dog waste receptacles, information kiosks and a rules-of-the-path plaque were a few of the items that have already been taken into consideration as the pathway system moves into the next phase of development.
"Now the question becomes, where do the new pathway systems go?" asked Snook.
Is there a larger need to have paths leading to City Hall, leisure centre, exhibition grounds or perhaps a pedestrian access to the industrial subdivision(s)? Or do people just prefer to have a pathway (other than sidewalk and road) to local coffee shops or grocery stores?
There is a growing desire to have pathways leading to the Luscar baseball diamonds for instance, said Snook, and a request for rollerblading and bicycle paths to the city's outskirts.
"This is the third session we've had," said Nailer, noting that a lot of progress has been made so far. He identified the Trojan Park area of the city as one sector that is receiving a lot of focus and precedent with a desire there to link it up to existing pathways.
The timeline is somewhat flexible but there will be a deadline fixed soon regarding the preparation of a final master plan.
One thing Nailer and Snook said is definitely in the plan, is the completion of the parking lot around the leisure centre including pavement, islands, trees and shrubs and even some floral additions.
The two consultants said the plan that is coming together includes some landscape development to add quality items to the local environment and further identification of citizens' needs.
"We're extraordinarily happy with what is happening here in Estevan," said Snook.
"There is a true desire from people to make this become a reality. And you know, the fact that Estevan wants an ongoing maintenance plan that even includes possible snow clearing on these paths in the winter, tells us a lot about that interest."
