Town of Battleford Coun. Kevin Russell, left. Lawmakers mulled over the issue of removing one of the light poles on the foot path near the 35 Street lookout at its recent meeting. (Angela Brown/battlefords NOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

In the chambers

Town decides to remove one light pole in plans for safety reasons

Sep 19, 2019 | 5:49 PM

Battleford lawmakers were stuck between a pole and a hard place when they had to make a decision about a complicated issue at council’s last meeting.

A family complained in a letter that one of the light poles the town planned to install to light the walking path near the 35 St. lookout potentially could be dangerous for children who toboggan on the hill that sits above the path.

Councillors said the area is not actually a toboggan hill. However, because of the potential that a child could toboggan down the hill and possibly hit the pole at the bottom it remains a concern. So council voted in favour of not placing the one lightpole in question at the location and to remove the pole’s concrete pad that is already installed. The cost is about $600 to $750.

“It is being looked at from a safety perspective,” Mayor Ames Leslie said. “Even though we do know it is not a town toboggan hill – we do not sanction it to be one, [and] we do not support it to be one – people are going to toboggan there anyway. So, I think it is the duty of the town to make sure it can be as safe as it can be. You are not going to ever eliminate 100 per cent of a risk or danger in any situation, but at least we can try and make it a little bit safer.”

Administration said the town’s insurance provider indicated the town could be liable if anyone is injured due to the location of the one light pole in question, even though sledding is not permitted in the area.

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When considering its options, council also eyed the idea of taking away three poles (the centre and two side poles). However, they were concerned there would be a greater distance on the walking path that would not be lighted at night. So that might pose challenges for those who use the path and expect it to be completely lighted in the evening for their walk.

Councillors surmised that by taking out the centre pole at the end of the hill, that would leave enough space between the two side poles to reduce the risk of of a toboggan hitting a pole.

Coun. Judy Pruden said if the town takes out one pole in the plans it should really take out three poles to be effective, to further protect the town from any liability.

Ultimately, the majority of council voted in favour administration’s recommendation to not install one light pole and to remove the pad that is already there, with only Pruden opposed.

Mayor Ames Leslie said even though council passed the resolution on the issue, residents can still provide additional feedback if they wish.

“The discussion is never too late,” he said. “If a large majority of the community comes forward and says that pole should stay there; we don’t support this. Then, we have heard from the community.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow