Bring back the fence

Photo: Kathleen Sparrow

Speeding vehicles make it necessary to put at least some of the fencing back up at Sawicki Park on Middleton Way, according to members of city council.

City of Vernon staff recently took down the fence, causing complaints from local parents about the dangers to their children from vehicles passing by.

“There is a lot of serious concern,” Coun. Juliette Cunningham stated at Monday's council meeting. “It's like a raceway.”

“It's a lot nicer aesthetically without the fence but people rip down that road,” said Coun. Brian Quiring, adding there was a “near miss” within days of the fence being taken down.

“I think it is dangerous,” Quiring said. “I'm surprised by how fast traffic is moving on that road.”

Staff said the fence was removed because it was damaged and it restricted people's entry to the park.

Mayor Akbal Mund said both Sawicki and Lakeview Park in East Hill had 30 kilometre driving zones and he hoped Lakeview was not on a city list to have its fencing taken down.

Council approved a motion from Quiring asking staff to return within two weeks with a solution that includes a mixture of fencing and landscaping “that will provide a level of protection wanted by the neighbours.”

Coun. Scott Anderson said a similar fence to the one taken down should be installed.