City of Powell River councillors have passed a sidewalk inspection and maintenance policy to prevent hazards and to focus on public safety.
At the December 3 council meeting, councillors reviewed the policy, which will provide a standard for public safety and prevention of risk.
Councillor Jim Palm said council was surprised to learn at the previous committee of the whole meeting that the city did not have a sidewalk policy. He said the report that came forward from staff was comprehensive and sets forth parameters around sidewalk inspections. He said the policy had a chart attached that outlines severity of damage to sidewalks, and how to deal with differentials in the sidewalk surfaces.
“I’m happy to see this coming into effect for the safety of our residents throughout Powell River,” said Palm.
Mayor Dave Formosa said he’d received a complaint from a resident about a month ago about a situation in front of one of the city’s “choice, prized possessions,” which is Henderson House in Townsite. He said he received a complaint from someone who conducts the walkabouts in Townsite, and the sidewalk in front of Henderson House was just in “horrible shape.”
Formosa said he thinks it was fewer than three days after the complaint that the crew was at the Henderson House site and did a “fantastic job.”
“Basically, we came to the conclusion that area got forgotten and in some cases I don’t even think we knew we owned some of that sidewalk down there,” said Formosa. “It was just forgotten but I don’t think it will be anymore. It’s a tourist attraction and it’s a beautiful house. If you haven’t seen the Henderson House you must go see it. It’s incredible.”
Formosa thanked the city works crew team who took care of the sidewalk repair and said he was happy the city got on it so rapidly.
In a report to council, manager of operational services Rod Fraser stated that past practice has been to inspect after notification from the public. He added that staff routinely inspects all sidewalks for defects.
At an inspection, staff will analyze the defect and, depending on severity, the area is closed, marked with paint and fixed within the appropriate time, stated Fraser.
“For public safety and balancing risk, the public is encouraged to report defects, as well as scheduled annual staff inspections,” stated Fraser, “to ensure all sidewalks are safe to use.”
