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Hub budget

Trails a sticking point

Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Hay River (Dec 17/01) - Hay River town council approved a $21.2-million budget Dec. 10.

At first, council appeared divided over spending $100,000 on the town's trail system, but after debate all but one voted in favour of the budget as presented.

One main trail links new town to old town, but according to Coun. Vern Tordoff, old town residents would rather have their roads paved, or at least chip-sealed.

"They think our priorities are out of whack, paving ditches before paving our roads."

Some trails run through drainage areas.

Others said the trails are an important lifestyle priority, and they help draw in tourists and new residents.

"They promote a healthy environment. If you build it they will come. I like being able to ride my bike all the way to the beach," said Coun. Diana Ehman. Coun. Tom Hamilton said "I'm not opposed to the bike path concept, but our community's not there yet." Budget highlights include no property tax increases, except for residents living on a river corridor. The unchanged tax rate is made possible from a $245,000 increase in funding from the territorial government, said Mayor Duncan MacNeil.

The town will spend almost $1.4 million extending water lines, improving drainage and building an entrance to the curling rink. The town will also study how access to municipal buildings can be improved for handicapped people.