Sturgeon County councillors want to hear a few more opinions before making any changes to a proposed trail through Riverstone Point.
Councillors last year agreed to a trail that was to be built behind the acreage development near the Sturgeon River. The trail would have largely followed the top of the riverbank.
That plan has now hit a snag and administration gave council a new proposal on Jan. 12.
Under the old plan, the trail on the west side of the development was to stick fairly closely to top of the riverbank and would have been roughly 100 metres from six homes that back on to the river.
The rest of the trail was to be built much closer to property lines in Riverstone Point, passing within 10 metres of some backyards.
The revised route would put the trail right next to the backyards of those six homes, shaving $216,000 off the total cost of the trail.
Administration told council erosion was an issue with parts of the original alignment, making it more technically challenging to build.
Council declined to approve the new, cheaper trail option, wanting to hear a few more opinions before making a decision.
Council unanimously agreed to send the new proposed trail routing to the Sturgeon Valley area structure plan advisory committee, which is currently studying a plan for future growth for the entire valley.
Coun. Tom Flynn, who represents the area affected by the trail route, said he personally wanted more time to look at the area before making his mind up.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to go out there and scout it out and explore it,” he said. “I want to have a really close look at it during that day and get a feel for it.”
Flynn said he is of no firm opinion either way yet, but routing the trail away from some homes could be worth the cost, given how long the trail will be part of the community.
“There is an alternate choice that costs a bit more money, but that might make more sense when looked at over the long term.”
Flynn said there is a real demand for trails throughout the Sturgeon Valley and council hopes to be able to build them.
“It is always a tough call, because we try to have trails because people tell us they want trails, but it is a not-in-my-backyard thing.”
Flynn said he is hopeful county council can solve the issue.
“If we have a good look at what is there and get the people involved we can usually come up with a solution for the balance of the trail.”
After the trail goes to the advisory committee it will come back to council for a final decision.
