Iqaluit (Dec 01/03) - An Iqaluit group wants the city to take a closer look at sidewalks.

Anne Crawford, a member of the Iqaluit Walking Group, made a presentation to council about the need for sidewalks at a time when the city looks at reviewing its priorities.

To start off her presentation, Crawford submitted posters and surveys she has received from students who are also concerned about road safety and sidewalks.

"These may not be the most accurate surveys, but they do show there is a need in the community for sidewalks," she said.

"Excuse the pun, but sidewalks are a concrete way for council to show their concern for public safety," she added.

Along with the posters, Crawford also presented council with a petition boasting 250 names, which she said is evidence that people want sidewalks.

Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik said the city is starting the budget process for the new year and even though there's not a lot of money available, they should put some aside for sidewalks or trails.

"They might not be sidewalks in the traditional sense. I think with this new budget there are creative ways to resolve this problem," she said.

Some of the suggestions tossed around the council table were creating a trail from Apex to Iqaluit along the beach front, which would cut down on some of the pedestrian traffic along the highway. Another suggestion was to create groomed snow trails within the city to separate vehicles and pedestrians.

Crawford said the first thing council has to do is take steps to resolve this issue.

"It doesn't have to be done all at once. Council doesn't have to spend a lot of money. We do need to try to do something," she said.

Sheutiapik promised council they will talk about how much money can be set aside for walking trails.

Crawford pointed out that she is going to watch the capital budget to find out how much money council will set aside for the infrastructure.

"The amount of money they put aside is a measurement of how much this is a priority for them," she said.