Council decided to proceed with the removal of road designations for a series of properties across town during its Sept. 24 regular council meeting.
The land in question was once set aside for possible road construction where in each case one is no longer necessary.
Area residents Jack and Margaret Reyne appeared in front of council to find out what would happen to the community mailboxes located on a road allowance through Centennial Park.
“They're handy,” said Jack Reyne, in an interview. “I live right across the street.”
A lot of elderly people in the area benefit from having a community mailbox within walking distance, noted Margaret Reyne, adding she would like to see Coun. Derek Baird continue to maintain the area.
“Derek has taken very good care of that property,” she said. “He cuts the lawn, picks up the leaves, you name it.”
Administration recommended a separate short-term and long-term course of action following road designation removal.
“The short-term will be to leave it in town ownership,” said Craig Teal, director of planning and development. “It will still accommodate the community mailboxes that are located there.”
After a detailed review of the subdivision to the south of Centennial Park more details will emerge about the location of a new water line. In the long-term this will allow the town to decide whether to sell the parcel.
“Maybe there's enough land there for an actual lot to fit,” Teal said.
A letter of concern from Joseph Lehane and Kenneth Oxtoby objected to the road designation removal for an area of undeveloped portion of Woodland Road south of 42 Avenue. They had been concerned the road closure would eliminate access to their property.
Before deciding to go ahead with the road removal, council agreed to grant the landowners a small portion of the town's land for an approach.
Other road designation removals included the site of a pathway between 46A Street Crescent and Highway 2A, which will remain as a pedestrian throughway, undeveloped portions of 37 Street and 57 Avenue west of the railway and the closure of part of a road south of 36A Street.
