Dear Editor,
On April 24, 2024 with assistance from Luke Lockhart, I was able to take a shot on the East abutment of SkyTrail, which showed an elevation of 31.69 m compared to 31.73 m on May 1, 2023; a total drop of 1.115 m from the entry. I expected a greater change due to heavy equipment constructing the adjacent drain.
SkyTrail was closed because of the following statement by Associated Engineering (AE): "the bridge structure was substantially damaged as a result of ground movement at the bridge abutment on the Outlook end (east side). In our opinion, the bridge in its present condition is POTENTIALLY unstable. The bridge should be closed immediately." Council closed SkyTrail immediately and it remains closed today.
In the past 10 years there has probably been very little movement in SkyTrail, in fact it has been stable since 2009. The surveys in 2023 and 2024 confirmed there is no change. AE recommended no repairs as the majority of the problems occurred when the train was running.
Council closed SkyTrail, therefore there is no reason for Council not to reopen SkyTrail.
However, before that happens, there has to be an organization in place to be able to deal with the issues listed below:
Facts
1. The Town of Outlook "OWNS" SkyTrail.
2. The Town of Outlook can issue "TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPTS".
3. The Outlook Town Council "CAN RE-OPEN SKYTRAIL AT ANY TIME" (as Outlook Town Council closed SkyTrail, it can re-open SkyTrail; lawyer's opinion)
4. If SkyTrail re-opens it must operate as a "BUSINESS" or a "BOARD" that can utilize "DONATIONS" for "ADMINISTRATION", "OPERATIONS", "MAINTENANCE", and "INVESTING EXCESS FUNDS".
5. The other thing that no one seems to consider is the "LOSS OF TOURIST DOLLARS" that flowed into this community when SkyTrail was open.
There is only one way the public can know what is going on and that is at an OPEN PUBLIC MEETING where all the stake holders can have their say. The Outlook Town Council should not be the only ones that make decisions regarding SkyTrail. After SkyTrail was closed in 2013, a PUBLIC MEETING should have been held to discuss various options.
The opportunity is now, if everyone pulls together it's possible to have a GRAND OPENING on July 1st. What an event that would be.
Respectfully submitted,
Con Hammer
Outlook, SK
