The future of the Napoleon Meadows open space has been unveiled to Innisfailians.
Citizens were given the opportunity for a viewing on Oct. 2 at an open house held at the Innisfail Library Learning Centre.
Members of Innisfail town council, administration, and a representative from Calgary-based L.A. West listened to the concerns and opinions of the public on two options for future development.
“Public input is always good,” said Mayor Brian Spiller. “This is the third night in a row talking to Innisfailians about their town and we are listening.”
The open house drew a steady stream of citizens wanting to look at the two options for development of the natural area. It included a forest design and a three-bridge option, which would allow travel paths across the bogs and provide viewing platforms.
Reaction from attendees was mixed.
Miriam Reierson, whose home is behind the meadows, was not “necessarily” pleased with the options.
“Due to the nature of the area, we have a mouse problem in our garage and it comes from the bogs,” said Reierson. “The water is stagnant in the ponds and it does create a smell and a mosquito problem, so unless they create some kind of water flow it will not necessarily help.”
L.A. West's proposals included a computer animation of the area that showed both plans -- complete with aerial views, and boards that highlighted their designs.
“We (my wife and I) have been here 11 years,” said Allan Smith who lives in the area. “This is a positive step and I hope they follow through on the input they receive tonight.”
The Innisfailian liked elements of what he saw on the boards, particularly the staging/viewing sites on the bridge option and thought there may be too many trees on the forest design.
“Perhaps a combination of bridges and forested areas would be the best option,” he added.
L.A. West's stated goals for the project design included addressing site drainage concerns (i.e. stagnant water zones), providing high-quality green space, increasing access to nature, and improving non-motorized transportation through paths and trails.
In June and July of 2014, a survey was distributed to residents to discover what Innisfailians valued in their open spaces and green features, which included elements addressed in the design.
“There were some questions raised tonight, such as where will we provide play or exercise structures,” said Craig Teal, Innisfail's director of planning and operational services. “We generally received positive feedback on our options and received a good number of comment sheets which we will look at later and take into consideration for a final design.”
Further information on the Napoleon Meadows open space design can be found at the Town of Innisfail website at www.innisfail.ca. Feedback on the design will be accepted at the town office.
