Paradise hits pause on plan for new trail

By Mark Squibb

Paradise council has hit the pause button on plans for construction of a trail connecting Howard Avenue and Morgan Avenue in the hopes of securing funding for the project.
Councillor Patrick Martin explained the Town had earmarked $160,000 in Budget 2025 to complete the trail. Staff also submitted funding applications to both the federal and provincial governments.
As of April 29th’s public meeting, staff had not received a response from either government and had no idea when a decision might be coming.
Construction of the trail had initially been planned for the spring, but staff recommended that council temporally hit pause on the project while awaiting potential funding, which could amount to upwards of $106,000.
“This is a great step to take, with $106,000 in potential funding on a project that is going to cost roughly $160,000,” said Martin. “It could be heavily funded if we get some grants.”
Councillor Glen Carew echoed a similar sentiment.
“As much as I’m definitely not in favour of delaying the project, it is very prudent of us to try and access funding,” said Carew.
Carew noted Paradise had been unsuccessful at times in years past trying to access funding for trails, but that it was prudent to at least try.
Councillor Larry Vaters asked how long staff intended to wait before making a decision one way or another
“In other words, is there a point of no-return where we say ‘Okay, we’ll go it alone?’” asked Vaters.
To that, Martin said staff will bring the matter back to council for further discussion if a decision is not reached by June 1.
Council approved the motion unanimously.