The path is clear for a new path.
The 140-metre gravel trail that extends from the east side of Kirkstone Park can now be turned into a road heading west toward Emery Place before pivoting north to meet Whiteley Court.
The change from walkway to roadway was contingent on council’s approval of Mosaic’s 411-unit project at 1200-1250 Emery Place, which passed June 18, as well as an alternate approval process.
The alternate approval process could only have been derailed if 5,962 district residents – approximately 10 per cent of eligible voters – submitted objections. The district received 852 protestations prior to the March 12 deadline, paving the way for the new road.
The lone objection to the process was voiced by Coun. Doug MacKay-Dunn, who called park dedicated by referendum: “sacrosanct.”
Kirkstone Park, including the six-metre wide gravel path, was dedicated for park and recreation in a 1999 referendum.
However, several councillors based their support of the removal of parkland dedication on the basis that the park would not be impacted by the change.
