Gray’s Park Binzebos debate returns to council

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Following up on a discussion brought to council in April, the Town of Strathmore is looking at shifting gears regarding the idea for “binzebos” to be constructed in Gray’s Park.

Town administration brought the matter back before the Committee of the Whole, July 15, indicating the suggested location to be inappropriate for the installation and to consider a more suitable alternative.

“Environmental reserve lands help support ecological function and reduce risks associated with flood-prone or unstable ground and permanent or semi-permanent structures are inconsistent with the intended purpose of environmental reserve lands,” said Jamie Dugdale, director of infrastructure for the Town of Strathmore. “The risk of approving these structures is, it could set a precedent for future requests to place structures within the environmental reserve. Incremental encroachment could erode the environmental function and purpose of the protected lands over time.”

The original suggestion, put forward by the Western District Historical Society, was the construction of two binzebos – gazebo-like structures featuring the top of a grain silo serving as its roof, in Gray’s Park.

In addition to the binzebos, the WDHS proposed to add a community bulletin board to Kinsmen Park near to the town administration building. This has since been set up as previously discussed.

Dugdale added in addition to the costs of construction, establishing such structures would also carry the potential for future expenses associated with environmental impact mitigation, restoration, maintenance obligations, and risk management responsibilities.

He suggested as an alternative, looking at municipal reserve lands which are allowed under the Municipal Government Act to feature intensive recreational opportunities.

“These alternatives can accommodate community features while preserving environmental reserve lands for their natural function,” he said. “If an alternative location is found, the Western District Historical Society would still be required to get the proper permits and assume responsibility for liability as well as long-term maintenance of those structures.”

Coun. Melissa Langmaid suggested as a potential alternative, to examine the viability of placing the proposed binzebos immediately south of the wetland complex not currently classed as environmental reserve, and soon to be obtained by the town.

The land being referenced is to be acquired by the town as part of the development conditions for West Creek Developments.

“There is no cohesive vision for what this area of our town needs to be and … it fits my vision of what I have always looked at what Gray’s Park would be in our community,” she said. “I am open to discussing other areas for the binzebos, but I think my main hope is that we can start to invest and beautify some of the other parks around town.”

With discussion still active among the committee, administration will continue to work with the WDHS and return before council at a later date with a more complete evaluation. At the time of the meeting, the report presented was for information purposes only.