Grey County will be taking a look at snow clearing options and other potential parking alternatives for a popular lot in Markdale near the CP Rail Trail.
County council passed a motion during its committee of the whole meeting Thursday morning to request a report from staff on options for snow removal at the Grey County owned parking lot in Markdale adjacent to the CP Rail Trail, and other alternative parking options.
It was an amended motion brought by Grey Highlands Mayor and County Coun. Paul McQueen, who says the parking lot in Markdale is a popular staging area for outdoor enthusiasts during winter such as snowmobilers who are accessing the CP Rail Trail.
But Grey County currently does not perform snow removal or contract an outside service provider to clean up the lot.
“It is a very popular spot,” McQueen says. “Not only just snowmobilers are using it right now for a staging area. But others that enjoy the trail. They park there. They walk the trail, snowshoe, ski, whatever they wish to do on that trail.”
Grey County’s CP Rail Trail is a 77-kilometre multi-use, four season path stretch from Owen Sound to Dundalk where a number of motorized and non-motorized activities are permitted.
Owen Sound Deputy Mayor and County Coun. Scott Greig wondered if a potential paid-parking model could also be looked at for the Markdale lot near the CP Rail Trail, to help cover the costs of maintenance and snow removal.
“I don’t think the taxpayers of Grey County should be footing the bill to support parking for individuals who might be travelling to the community,” Greig says. “Yes, I understand the supports we receive economically through snowmobilers’ activities in Grey County. But you could make that argument for a wealth of different activities.”
Nothing has been passed yet, but county councillors were told staff have already engaged with a contractor and snow removal work could start immediately for the Markdale lot if they decide to fund that service.
