Abbotsford’s urban trail blocked for now

A plan to create a new $3.3-million Urban Trail in Abbotsford will not go forward at this time.

A plan to create a new $3.3-million Urban Trail in Abbotsford will not go forward.

Council was unwilling to make a decision regarding the $2.3 million in funding available through the gas tax grant.

Mark Taylor, general manager of parks, recreation and culture asked for the funds two weeks ago, but council wanted to see if the money could be saved for a new water source.

On Monday, staff presented a proposal that would see 80 per cent of all gas tax money – federal funds garnered from gas pump sales and given annually to municipalities for environmentally-friendly projects – be dedicated to a future water source.

That would leave 20 per cent available for projects like the Urban Trail.

However, council deferred the proposal to a future meeting.

The deferral put an end to the trail proposal for now because another $1 million in provincial funding had to be applied for in the coming days. Taylor cannot make the application without council’s decision.

Abbotsford News