Ahole on an informal trail on Mono's First Line EHS is causing serious concern for some local horse riders and the town's recreation director says Mono Council has just two options.

It could either leave the trail as it is or upgrade it to trail standards at the Town's expense.

Currently there is $5,000 in this year's budget for the project. However, those funds would only cover the cost of granular material and having a drainage pipe delivered to the site, on an unopened portion of the First Line right-of-way north of 20 Sideroad. It would cost another $9,000 for other materials and labour expenses.

Some residents had offered their help in 2005, but are no longer willing to participate in the project, fearing liability lawsuits and becoming responsible for trail maintenance.

"I offered to assist in this matter, because in the short time we had lived here I had grown tired of helping stranded snowmobilers, horseback riders and hikers free themselves from the bog," wrote resident Terrence Wagner in a letter to Public Works Director Wayne Reid.

"And, we wished to use a trail you had advertised as accessible. While it was and is your prerogative to decline my offer, what is certainly not your prerogative is to presume to tell my wife what she may or may not undertake on the Town's behalf, or for that matter on anyone's behalf during her retirement, almost two years after I offered to do it for the Town for little or no cost to the Town."

Mr. Wagner offered gravel fill, top soil and clay from the excavation and construction of his barn and road. He also offered to to have the fill transported to where it was needed, and have his sub-contractor do the work at his expense.

However, the Town declined this and Mr. Wagner spread the fill on his own property. His wife is Ellen Cameron, who along with Barb Presunka made a delegation to council on April 24.

Recreation Director Kim Perryman said in a letter to council that the area was identified as a desired location for a trail by the equine community. It is also a key component for the Town and the Mono Economic Development and Sustainability Advisory Committee to work in partnership with the equine community for economic and trail development.

She says if the Town were to proceed with developing a trail it would be open to multiple users, such as hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers and horseback riders.

Deputy Mayor Dave Baldwin said the Town's original position was to have the $9,000 come from a joint effort between the Town and trail users, and now the Town is being asked to put up all of the money.

Even if residents were able to raise the money the Town would have to do the work, due to liability concerns.

Ms. Presunka said they had the equipment to do the work last year and were told they couldn't.

The deputy mayor said that was because of potential lawsuits. He said it would work if they raised the money and the Town oversaw the work.

Councillor Ken McGhee said the recreation board is looking into the Town's past experience with similar circumstances, as the Town has a partnership with the Mono Nordic Ski Club. He said even though there is a trail map floating around it was never approved by council.

Councillor McGhee said there wasn't a concern with this spot during the winter, but for horse riders there is no doubt a concern. He said the Town can't do anything before realizing the impact it could have.

Deputy Mayor Baldwin asked the women if it's such a big deal why wouldn't horse riders want to help solve the issue. He said the Town likes partnerships but there aren't a lot of people who ride horse trails.

Ms. Presunka said they're just asking for the Town to fill in a hole.

Council members were to be going on a roads tour with this location as one of the stops after the council meeting. Mayor Lorie Haddock said they'd visit the site and go from there.