On the same day Trail council announced a location for its skateboard park near the west extreme of the downtown area it also approved a beautification project at the opposite end of the city’s core.
The White Garden proposal for Jubilee Park, which will see a large rose trellis erected near the river wall on the downtown’s south side, was accepted unanimously by councillors at their regular meeting Tuesday night.
Council was told by Phylis Stone, of the Communities in Bloom group proposing the project, that city staff and local police have approved the location, on the esplanade next to the Jubilee Apartment block (behind the Royal Theatre), and CIB was hopeful it will be an attraction that will, “bring traffic, commercial traffic, to that end of Bay Avenue.
“We feel it will be a draw for locals and visitors alike,” said Stone.
She also told council the design will emphasize creating photographic lines favourable for use for such events as wedding and graduation photos.
And, after much consideration of alternate locations in the area, “it sees that this location is where Communities in Bloom would like it to proceed.”
The location used to house a swing set that drew late night activity, and council heard that the White Garden project would, “replace the nuisance,” with a positive asset, particularly as existing cameras and road access would make the area easy to supervise.
Creating the arbor will cost $35,000, much of which will be in in-kind work.
Kootenay Savings Credit union has pledged $10,000 and Trail Rotary a further $1,000 with CIB picking up the rest of the cost for the facility, which will eventually include park benches, brick or rock work and some landscaping invovled.
Greater Trail’s two decade efforts at mitigating the health and developmental impact of toxic industrial chemicals emanating from local industry have been recognized by the Government of B.C. as among the best examples in the province.
The city was notified Monday that the Trail Health and Environment committee, which entailed co-operation among local governments, Teck Cominco and several provincial ministries, has received a Premier’s Award as the best partnership in interior and northern B.C.
The awards are presented by the premier’s office for groups, “Promoting Innovation and Excellence,” to the betterment of their communities.