Council backs plan to improve neighbourhood pathway maintenance

By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.

Many who regularly use Kingston’s network of neighbourhood pathways may have noticed that some have become more difficult to navigate over time.

Councillor Wendy Stephen brought a motion before Council at their last meeting aimed at improving the maintenance of these well-used connections. The motion directs staff to create standards and an approach for maintenance of the city’s neighbourhood pathway network, responding to concerns Councillors say they have consistently heard from constituents.

“…I can think of some of them right now where tree roots have them undulating… if you go down it with a pair of roller blades you almost feel like you’re at a skate park,” said Councillor Ryan Boehme, referring to the pathways in his district. “…We’ve got to have a plan to maintain them and many, many of them are long overdue for some tender love and care.”

With unanimous support from Council, City staff will now undertake public engagement on the neighbourhood pathway network before returning with recommendations to Council.

Listen to the story here.