A Red Deer grandmother is calling on the city to add a frequently used path near École Barrie Wilson Elementary School to its snow clearing duties.
Sharon Forseth said the sometimes treacherous asphalt path is located west of the school between the school parking lot and a small park, and runs north all the way to Timberlands Drive where many parents park to pick up and drop off their kids.
“We had one little boy fall and break a tooth and he had to go and get dental work done. It’s been bad. It was really bumpy and icy.” said Forseth about the condition of the city path earlier this winter.
“It’s not so bad now, but we’re going to get another dump of snow on Friday and Saturday. It’s a long walk up that sidewalk.”
Many parents and kids use the path because there is not much parking near the school, and closer to spring it will be horrendous, she said.
“I don’t know what to do now. I’ve talked to Public Works. I’ve talked to Parks, and I’ve talked to the mayor’s office. I don’t know where else to go to fight this.”
According to a letter she received from Legislative Services, no neighbourhood trails are maintained in the winter, including the park trail at Timberlands Central Park beside Barrie Wilson School.
Any changes to snow clearing would require funding, and in some cases updating city policy, and Forseth’s request would be considered in conjunction with an annual review of the city’s snow and ice control practices.
Principal Chris Good said the path was completed last summer and a few parents have expressed concern about its condition in the winter. They were directed to contact the city.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter