One of the benefits that we’ve seen to this temporary new normal associated with the COVID-19 pandemic is we’re seeing more people out exercising.
Granted, the weather hasn’t always co-operated during the past four weeks – it’s often been well above normal or several degrees below normal, with strong winds – but on those nice days, people have been out walking and even jogging on sidewalks, pathways and at the Chamney Running Track near the Estevan Comprehensive School.
An initiative by the City of Estevan could create even more access to pathways.
The city has applied to the federal government’s Investment in Canada’s Infrastructure Program to help fund the construction and upgrades of pathways in the city. It would support a 13-kilometre pathway network in Estevan, as well as some other amenities along the paths.
Pathways in the Energy City have long been inconsistent. There are some really nice ones, such as the one that runs alongside Fourth Avenue South and takes people to Woodlawn Regional Park, where they can enjoy some of the park’s amenities. The pathway in the Churchill Playpark, which runs through south-central and southwest Estevan, is also a real asset.
These and other pathways are a really good option for exercise.
But they are disconnected, and don’t provide a circuit throughout the community.
And there are also some areas where a pathway is sorely needed, such as on Kensington Avenue south of Rooney Road-Nesbitt Drive, creating a hazardous area for people who have no choice but to walk. There is generally a real dearth of good pathways and sidewalks in the eastern portion of the city, particularly on Fourth Street and Perkins Street.
It should be noted that this pathway system is not a done deal. The city is merely applying to receive funding, to the tune of about $4 million, through this federal program. There’s nothing to lose in applying for funding. But we stand to gain a lot if we’re accepted.
And the city would have to provide some money for this as well. But that can be done over a three-year or even a seven-year time frame. (We’re guessing they’re probably better off with a three-year system).
It’s also unlikely the city would be able to undertake this project without federal support, or some other form of grant program, especially now with so much uncertainty facing the community.
This wouldn’t be the first project, either, that would have to sit on the shelves without federal or provincial funding. Estevan’s much-needed water intake project wasn’t going to happen without money from the feds and the province.
It is an expensive and extensive project to complete a 13-kilometre pathway system. But this could also finally resolve the issues that we have on Kensington Avenue, and it would be nice to create some sort of a pedestrian overpass above the CP Rail crossing. After all, that would be much more affordable than that full-fledged vehicle overpass that we have needed for so long.
Of course, if we do get accepted for this program, and we do get that pathway system that Estevan needs, then it would be imperative for the city to maintain this network. Money will have to be allocated, since it would be a real shame to finally have this asset and then watch it deteriorate due to neglect.
But it’s something that would be a real boost for our community as we look for ways to attract people to the city and improve the quality of life for residents.
