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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday May 11, 2007 - 7 Councillors side with residents against walkways By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER List of complaints include vandalism, loitering and drug use lems to those faced by Galena Crescent residents. Constable Carla Draper of the Halton Regional Police Service told councillors that an 11-day police blitz of the area last fall resulted in police seizing drugs and weapons, and laying 20 criminal charges. After hearing from residents, councillors approved a motion directing staff to provide public notice of the closure and sale of the Galena Crescent walkway. Oakville council appears set to close up walkways and trails that are attracting loitering youths, despite town staff's recommendation to keep them open. On Tuesday night, politicians on the Town's Community Services Committee voted unanimously in favour of closing up a problematic walkway in northeast Oakville, and directed staff to identify other walkways and trails creating problems for residents. The issue arose as a result of a 60signature petition presented to the Town by residents of Galena Crescent, asking that the walkway leading from their road through to Grosvenor Street be permanently closed. Residents of the area crowded the town council chambers to detail problems of vandalism, loitering, drug use and threatening behaviour taking place in the walkway. Speaking on behalf of a number of the residents, Mary Lynne Ketcheson told councillors that the pathway, which runs alongside her house, attracts young people from nearby Iroquois Ridge High School who are looking for an isolated spot to gather. Neighbours regularly collect drug paraphernalia, empty beer bottles, used condoms and litter from the walkway, said Ketcheson. Ongoing vandalism has also been a problem for residents, and the large groups of students gathering deter others from using the walkway, she added. "The walkway doesn't benefit the community at large, and is unwanted by the vast majority of the residents," said Ketcheson, who detailed ongoing efforts by residents, police and school authorities to stop the problems. However, town staff urged councillors not to close up the walkway, noting that walkways between residential properties provide pedestrian access throughout subdivisions designed with circuitous crescents and cul-desacs. "The town would like to promote alternatives to the automobile," noted Dan Cozzi, director of roads and works operations, citing Oakville's newly-adopted Transportation Master Plan. Cozzi admitted that there are issues on the walkways, but suggested Town staff could look into using lights or video surveillance to cut down on undesirable activity. Cozzi also added that closing the Galena Crescent walkway would encourage other residents to ask for similar closures. "I don't know any other way to say it," he said. "Others will get in line." In fact, residents living near other walkways in the Eighth Line and Upper Middle Road area also attended the meeting and detailed similar prob- "There's no doubt in my mind that we have a problem here. It would be nice to do something about it, and it would be nice to do it quickly." Ward 1 Councillor Ralph Robinson The walkway is expected to be sold to the four abutting property owners. Town staff has also been directed to identify other walkways and trails across the town that are experiencing similar problems, for future closure consideration. While the motion also asks for a staff report into lighting and video surveillance options, councillors declined to use those options to deal with the Galena Crescent situation. "There's no doubt in my mind that we have a problem here," said Ward 1 Councillor Ralph Robinson. "It would be nice to do something about it, and it would be nice to do it quickly." Mayor Rob Burton, who referred to the walkways as "bad ideas," added, "I believe this walkway ­ and maybe some others ­ have had plenty of second and third chances." Although the committee recommendation still requires full council approval next Monday night, there appear to be enough council members in favour of the closure plan to ensure its approval. SERVICE EXCELLENCE DODGE RAM 1500 QUAD CAB AWARD WINNER ONTARIO'S #1 RANKED CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP JEEP PATRIOT DODGE CALIBER DODGE GRAND CARAVAN DODGE CHARGER DODGE NITRO JEEP COMPASS CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE E DORVAL DRIVE I THE LOCKWOOD REWARDS CARD INCLUDED WITH EVERY PURCHASE WYECROFT RD. 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