On April 19, 2011, the Township commenced work at Denniston Park to address safety issues that have been identified within a portion of the park.
The Township was made aware in February 2011 of liability risks associated with the concrete walkway along the park’s cliff face. This section of the park was identified as being an area of high risk and a high likelihood of a life threatening incident occurring due to the current state of the concrete walkway.
To address public safety concerns, the Township has moved forward with a plan to block access to this walkway. The plan includes locking the walkway gate and decommissioning the pathway between the rock surfaces.
The asphalt surface of the walkway has been removed and rip rap rock has been put in its place. Grassed surfaces will be restored where they have been disturbed by this work. Temporary fencing has been installed at the entrance section of the park where erosion is occurring and native roses will also be allowed to flourish at the entrance to the path.
In matters of life safety the Township is required to act immediately to mitigate risk. The Parks and Recreation as well as the Engineering and Public Works Departments will be reviewing the safety concerns identified within the park boundaries. Once the issues have been explored and possible solutions determined, this information will be presented to Esquimalt Council for direction in the 2012 budget discussions. There will be opportunities for public input on changes to the park during these discussions.
A staff report on this issue will be presented to Council on May 2, 2011. The public is invited to attend this Council meeting.
For more information, please contact:
Jeff Miller, Director of Engineering and Public Works
Tel: 250-414-7108