Pathways battle set in south London

London Free Press Mon, August 31, 2009 City council

By KATE DUBINSKI

Residents of a south London neighbourhood want the city to continue a pilot project that cleared their pathways last winter. The problem is cash, say some councillors, who don't want to make a commitment before they can guarantee enough money for a city-wide plan. But that's just hogwash, say supporters, arguing that the walkways are an integral part of the city's parks and walking strategy -- a plan that needs all the support it can get. "There is a cost, but we have to look at a way to fund this," Coun. Judy Bryant said. At issue are two walkways in White Oaks that connect Ernest Ave. and Jalna Blvd., as well as White Oaks public school and the community centre in between. Last winter, residents requested and received city plowing in the winter. The walkways are an essential part of the area, said resident Jessica Carthew, who is spearheading the fight for the plows. "(Plowing the path) made a huge difference. That path is a major thoroughfare. People on the west need to go to the community centre, the urgent-care centre, the school, and people on the east need to go to the Food Basics," Carthew said. In the winter, without the city's help, the pathway can't be used because of the buildup of snow. "Yes, you can drive around, but some people don't have cars and others don't want to. White Oaks is a perfect walkable community," Carthew said. She's also organizing a walking school bus program at White Oaks public school, a plan where groups of pupils will walk to school with adults or older kids along a structured route and on a timetable. The pathways will be an important part of the route, including in the winter. The pathways are like the Highway 401 of the neighbourhood, Carthew said. Plowing the pathways in the community will cost about $20,000, councillors have been told. The environment and transportation committee has asked staff to come back with a solid figure. Coun. Cheryl Miller has also asked staff to look at a city-wide policy for plowing walkways. "My only reservation is that there's no money. We're piecemealing this stuff as we come across it in the city," she said. "It's a city-wide thing. There's no money for it in the budget, but we keep adding and adding and adding and don't look at the bottom line. We have to be more alert and careful. If one set of walkways is plowed, others should be, too, Miller said. "We can't do it for some and not for others." But council has to start somewhere if London is to be a city known for its green plans and walking paths, Bryant said. "This part of the city was designed specifically for these routes. It's rather unique," she said. "Many of us choose to live where we do because we want an alternative to relying on the car. People want to live, work and play without relying on their vehicle, and we have to face the fact that we can't rely on fossil fuels forever." Staff will report back on the issue at the next environment and transportation committee on Sept. 14.

kate.dubinski@sunmedia.ca