Editor:
Some of the most appealing walking routes in Merritt are on paths that lead from a street or cul-de-sac and follow a right-of-way between two neighbouring properties, and connect two areas or neighbourhoods.
Sometimes these walking paths are bordered with privacy fences or hedges.
I thought I had walked all of the existing walking easements in Merritt, but with no prior knowledge of the path that leads to the rear of the Coquihalla Middle School property — apparently I hadn’t.
After reading concerns regarding the route that continues beyond a walkway between two residential properties on Armstrong Street, I walked to the end of the city’s portion of the walk. Because of wintry conditions that day I decided to save the rest of my adventure into the former schoolyard for a day when the snow, ice and mud will be gone and walking conditions provide better footing.
I truly hope the path will still be available for walking this spring.
I sympathize with students who use this route to take advantage of a significant shortcut on their hike to Diamond Vale School from Armstrong Street and beyond.
Given that students are often driven to school during harsh weather conditions, maybe the route should be viewed as a seasonal walking route. It might be difficult to enforce.
Perhaps the school district could erect a warning sign recommending that users avoid the route when it is covered with snow and ice.
We all know that walking is good for us, and I appreciate what the City of Merritt has done to create walkways through parks, along the Coldwater dike, beside the dog park leading to the former railway bridge beside Highway 8, and, most recently, the attractive route along the north segment of Voght Street leading to the business area on River Ranch Road and DeWolf Way.
I look forward to Stages 2 and 3 of this route (maps were on display at the BC Hydro grand opening last September) that will link the hospital/Irvine Avenue path and the Voght Street route with the edge of downtown.
Carmen Fairley
Lower Nicola
