It is hard to get an idea of what a reduction of $790,000 from the Works and Emergency Services capital budget will mean to cyclists without knowing which paths could be constructed and which would be deferred. A list of proposed projects was drawn up in making the budget submission of $1.5 million. When the reduction was proposed by the Executive Management Team the list was divided into what could proceed in 2002 and what would have to be deferred.

To help illustrate the impact of the reduction I have posted those lists of trail projects, subdivided by types of path and by whether or not they would have to be deferred.

There is some good news on the WES budget as of Friday. It appears that the Works Committee proposed that the $790,000 be restored. I am still trying to confirm the details and will post more info when I get it.

This does not mean this money will be in the budget come March. The recommendations will go to the Budget Advisory Committee which can remove the money again. The focus will turn now to the Budget Advisory Committee. We now have to convince them that these funds should remain in the budget.

Martin Koob
tcc-rep@tbn.ca