A delegation of citizens from the Hamlet of Beaver Mines appeared before the council for the MD of Pincher Creek on Tuesday August 26 regarding the possible development of a pathway system in Beaver Mines. Several that made a presentation in favour of the idea, and one citizen, Mike Lynch, was opposed. Those that spoke in favour expressed concerns about people walking, jogging, or cycling along the highway and having a safe area for children to navigate the hamlet was also a stated priority.
"What we would like to do is talk to the MD of Pincher Creek about developing a community pathway system," said Greg Hession, who was the first to address council. "We would like to look at the possibility of the MD acquiring about 2 acres of land." Hession explained there is a buffer zone around the proposed new Fire Hall area at the north end of Beaver Mines, and that the delegation would like to see that extend and become part of a wide pathway to the west of the current residential area. "There's various avenues that the MD owns within the community that aren't being used right now for anything. We think that would be an excellent place to put these pathways, whether it is all done in one shot, or whether it is done in phases. Right now, it is somewhat hazardous to walk down the highway with our families, our pets, and so on. Quite often, I hear stories about close calls, near misses, and so on."
Hession said that there were a number of people there to present or show support, letters of support from the community, and an artistic drawing one young person had made of the proposed pathway system, and there was a scale map of the proposed plan.
Business owner Kevin Kelly said the reason he would like to see the pathway installed was for his family. "My children are now at an age where they could ride there bikes to friends houses, but my wife and I currently are uncomfortable with that idea, because there are no sidewalks in Beaver Mines." With the highway traffic running the length of the town, Kelly said, "It's not an option for us to allow our kids that freedom."
Kelly had a map that showed the proposed pathway system. It would loop around much of the residential area of Beaver Mines on the west side of the highway. One full length of the proposed pathway would be west of the highway, the other west of the residences. The proposal suggests that that western portion of the pathway be 66 feet wide allowing to access of services, and privacy in the event of residential expansion.
Kim Gelber said that there are 11 children in the area between the ages of 4 - 13, with more children in the summer months due to vacation homes, family visits, and tourism. She said that people chose to live there due to the beauty of the area, and tend to be active. "We want to encourage active living, in the community." She addressed the issue of traffic. "It is a highly travelled road, and is it safe to walk up and down? There isn't any type of a pathway right now, there is no sidewalk, and the shoulder isn't big."
Resident Mike Lynch spoke against the proposal. "Looking at the map, I see the proposed pathway parallels 2nd Avenue, which is a local road and not heavily used, at all."
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