Okotoks residents shared their thoughts about the future of the town’s pathway system during an open house on April 24.
The open house was held to gather feedback for an Active Transportation Implementation Plan after the Town identified approximately 30 potential projects to expand or improve the network.
Feedback will be used to help organize the projects and create a draft plan, said communications advisor Andrea Charlebois
“We’re trying to get a sense from the community on what they feel is important in terms of connectivity, accessibility and safety within the active transportation network,” Charlebois said. “That’s pathways, sidewalks, that type of thing.”
Identified projects include neighbourhood bikeways that would see quieter streets shared with vehicles and bicycles, painted bike lanes, multi-use pathways and sidewalks, as well as improvements for safety and accessibility around intersections.
Senior engineer Mitch Thompson said just because a project has been identified, doesn’t mean it will go ahead.
“We’re asking ‘Does the community see a value in that?,’” Thompson said.
Once the draft plan is finished, a what-we-learned report will be shared later this spring, and another round of online engagement is expected before the final plan is developed.
“Nothing will be starting this year,” Charlebois said. “The projects will need to be part of our budget process to determine when, and which ones, can be implemented.”
In addition to the open house, online feedback is being accepted until May 1.
