Kirkland hopes path closure will reduce vandalism

BY ELYSE AMEND

elyse.amend@transcontinental.ca

While shutting down the bicycle path that opens onto Snair Street will cause some inconveniences for students who walk to classes at Margaret Manson Elementary, Kirkland hopes the closure will reduce the vandalism residents of the area have been experiencing.

Kirkland is currently accepting bids for the 17,397-square-foot lot located at the dead end between 26 and 28 Snair St. According to town clerk Lise Labrosse, the lot is ideal for a single-family home, especially because of the neighbourhood’s atmosphere.

“Snair Street. is very, very nice,” she said. “Especially in the wintertime, because all of the neighbours get together and do a really good job decorating the street.”

However, with Coliseum movie theatre and RioCan shopping centre nearby, some teens returning home after a movie or a day of shopping via the Snair Street path would

rip down and destroy the ornaments on their way, District 2 councilor Joe Sanalitro

said, adding the vandalism continues year-round.

“This area was really an area of focus. I mean, houses were being egged, people’s properties were being vandalized,” he said. “You name it, it was happening.”

The town is currently relocating the bike path alongside Highway 40 to follow the existing trail. It will be lit and paved to allow for snow removal in the winter.

While the path’s new location will still provide Margaret Manson students coming from Pierrefonds access to their school on foot or by bike, they will have to budget some extra time for their commute.

“Some of the kids will have to walk a couple of extra minutes and we apologize for that,” Sanalitro said. “But putting it where it is and adding extra lights, we thought that would solve both problems.”

Lester B. Pearson School Board (LBPSB) Ward 16 commissioner Eric Bender, who is responsible for Margaret Manson Elementary, pointed out any kids coming from Pierrefonds “have the opportunity to be bussed” if the walk becomes too long on the new path.

“Any closure of a public thoroughfare, whether it’s a road or a bike path, could possibly inconvenience certain people,” Bender said. “But I think if (the closure) is really able to handle the problem of the vandalism that’s been really annoying over the last months, it’s probably, on an overall basis, worth it.”

The town is accepting proposals for the lot until 11 a.m. on Aug. 31. All submissions

must include a certified cheque for 10 per cent of the bid. Bid documents are available for a non-refundable fee of $50 and can be picked up from the town clerk’s office at 17200 Hymus Blvd.