SPC to consider motion to put fencing around Galt Gardens
By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on July 12, 2023.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com An official business motion is being put forward Thursday at the Community Safety Policy Committee of city council to erect a wrought iron fence around Galt Gardens.The committee meets at 1:30 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall and consists of chair Jenn Schmidt-Rempel, vice-chair Mark Campbell, Acting Mayor Ryan Parker and Nick Paladino.
The motion is being put forward by Mayor Blaine Hyggen and is co-sponsored by councillor John Middleton-Hope.
The motion states that the City is responsible for both the protection of its citizens and the stewardship of its assets including parks and pathways.
It adds that “the protection of public spaces is important to ensure the vibrancy of a city by creating an environment that could include using enhanced security measures and fencing around Galt Gardens that is both aesthetically attractive and provides enhanced safety for citizens.”
According to the motion, other Canadian communities have erected similar wrought iron fences to improve security for public spaces “that enhance positive community experiences, improve cleanliness, minimize unauthorized entry, and reduce the risk of vandalism, loitering, and other criminal activities. Fences act as a park boundary that is visually pleasing and inviting and provides a sense of security for park visitors, especially families and children and can build on other environmental design features such as the Pergola, Rotary Spray Park and new Play Space that encourage positive behaviors in this public space.”
The 9.16 acre downtown park was donated in perpetuity to the City of Lethbridge by the Galt family in 1909.
The motion calls Galt Gardens “a vital community space where residents will be able to engage in recreational activities, socialize, and connect with nature once again. By investing in a wrought iron fence, we would be demonstrating our commitment to maintaining and improving public spaces, which in turn fosters community pride and engagement. The enhanced safety and aesthetics would encourage more people to utilize the park, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.”
Hyggen and Middleton-Hope want administration to look into factors including cost, availability and implementation that would be involved in erecting the fence as a permanent park boundary and to report back to the SPC by Nov. 15 for council’s consideration.
“Protection of public spaces is important to ensure the vibrancy of a city by
creating an environment that could include using enhanced security measures and fencing around Galt Gardens that is both aesthetically attractive and provides enhanced safety for citizens,” adds the motion. Follow @albeebHerald on Twitter 4
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