Should Quispamsis Plow And Sand Some Of Its Trails?

Quispamsis councillors want to see some of the town’s trails plowed and sanded in the winter.

It comes as the number of trail users in the town has “skyrocketed” since the pandemic began, according to staff.

Council approved a motion last week to consider trail plowing and sanding during the 2023 budget process if it is identified as a requested service through the recreation, transportation or strategic plan.

They also voted in favour of a separate motion to look at potential options for the rest of this winter season.

“Not everyone wants them plowed. Some people definitely want to see them plowed, but there are other people that want to use the trail system for other winter recreation things,” said Coun. Kerrie Luck.

Luck was speaking to a number of emails she has received from residents recently both for and against winter trail maintenance.

She said residents are currently limited in terms of where they can safely walk due to the current COVID-19 lockdown, which led to the closure of gyms and the qplex.

“I realize that it might not be realistic to plow every trail, but the QR Trail that is already paved is maybe an option,” said Luck.

The QR Trail runs from Quispamsis Road to Pettingill Road and then continues to the end of Selkirk Drive.

Dana Purton Dickson, director of community services, said it would cost between $7,000 and $8,000 to maintain a two-kilometre stretch of the trail this winter, according to a quote from a contractor, noting the town does not have the resources to do the work internally.

“We would still need to do our due diligence, of course, from an inspection and maintenance perspective,” said Purton Dickson.

Purton Dickson noted that the town currently grooms 10 kilometres of trail for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and walking.

She said the town hopes to have a “wholesome discussion” with residents about winter trail maintenance as they work on the recreation, transportation and strategic plans over the coming months.