Open Letter to: Mary Rose, Gail Campbell, Sylvia Bradley and Scott Wilson:

Not since council first voted themselves a major pay raise (subsequently rescinded) have I been so disappointed in the nearsightedness of my representatives.

After lengthy presentations, voting against the proposed trailway was, in my opinion, a foregone conclusion, since there appeared to be no consideration at all to the Trailway Committee’s documentation as to the safety of the project and the safety track record of other trails allowed by more positive thinking councils in other towns.

Now, it would seem that the tracks will continue to be illegally used by people (myself included) who have designated it to be “their trail”. Isn’t this a much greater risk than walking on a trail beside the tracks, separated by a fence? A risk assessment showed the fenced, paved trail to be a low to moderate risk. Are you planning on doing an assessment to determine the risk of the use of the rail tracks at the present time? Putting up a few signs are not risk management! If safety is indeed your concern then how can you in all good conscience not support this project. The point is, a well constructed trail minimizes the risk; it does not increase it!

Of course, there are risks. Life is full of risks. Try walking down Sarah Street without tripping over the crumbling sidewalk!

I’m only assuming perceived safety concerns was Mr. Wilson’s reason for not supporting the proposal since he gave no indication as to why he was not supportive of the motion to develop the trail.

Mr. Kocialek, I thank you for your thoughtful comments. You were obviously listening to what was being presented.

At the meeting public opinion was very strongly in favour of this proposal. Council has previously had the courage to rescind a bad decision; I hope they will do so again.

Sharon Thomsen

Orangeville