Yorkton Council made an interesting decision at its regular meeting when it chose to fund a cost overrun of the storm pond being constructed on Dracup Avenue, but not before cutting the landscaping element of the project.
The project, which had initially been expected to come it at a cost of about $1.1 million, had risen to near $2 million (see related story this issue). The pond is part of an overall storm water drainage plan which will incorporate three ponds in the Dracup area, and one on Brodie Avenue, at a cost estimated at some $7.5 million.
While the cost over run on the pond under construction is unfortunate, the idea of cutting corners on the final landscaping seems questionable.
The suggested cost for the landscaping and pathways is $387,000, which Council put on indefinite hold.
There was a suggestion if cost savings were realized on the next ponds to be constructed those dollars could be funneled back to do the landscaping. If those cost savings are realized, no alternate plan for funding the landscaping was given, nor was a timeframe for the work.
The decision seems short-sighted on three levels.
To start with, one thing disturbed soils will do if left bare is grow weeds. To have a field of weeds is an eye sore as people drive in on Highway #10.
It is also not particularly aesthetically pleasing for businesses being developed in the adjacent area.
Secondly, costs escalate as time moves forward. Never will it be cheaper to carry out landscaping than when crews are already on-site doing other work.
And, finally there is the element the pathways would have added to the community in terms of keeping people active.
Interesting at the Dec. 21, 2011 meeting of Council Darcy McLeod, Director of community Development, Parks and Recreation with the City," explained "Yorkton's 2020 Strategic Plan identifies building a healthy community encouraging healthy lifestyles and personal wellness as one of the community`s goals. Also included in the plan is a community development goal that refers to providing social, recreational and educational opportunities for all community members."
It was at the December meeting Council unanimously designated this January as In motion month in the City.
McLeod said the designation would help "create awareness of the issues that are caused from being physically inactive and provide opportunities for people to become more physically active."
Pathways in a new green area would seem to fit ideally with the idea of an active community, yet that aspect of the Dracup Storm Water Pond is now on indefinite hold.
It is a decision by Council which might seem fiscally sound, but it falls apart when you consider the broader scope of what landscaping and pathways offer.
