Grey County could resume plowing a parking lot in Markdale that is popular with winter sports enthusiasts.
At its meeting on Feb. 13, Grey County council passed a resolution from Grey Highlands Mayor Paul McQueen to request a staff report outlining options for plowing a parking lot in Markdale. The lot in question is immediately adjacent to the CP Rail Trail and is popular with snowmobilers and other winter sports enthusiasts.
“It is the centre of Grey County. It provides access to the rest of the county,” McQueen said. “This is a staging area. It is a very popular spot, not only to the snowmobilers who are using it.”
During the discussion on the matter, county staff said they could immediately resume snowplowing of the parking lot with county council’s approval. Scott Taylor, the county’s planning director, said staff had been in touch with a private contractor about the lot and snow removal service could resume if council made such a decision. He said the county could fund the service, should it be restored, from savings elsewhere in the budget.
However, Taylor did note that the decision may not come in time for this year.
“I suspect we will run out of winter in a month or two,” he said.
The county-owned parking lot was cleared of snow for many years, with the county engaging a private contractor to do the work. However, this winter – due to budget constraints – snowplowing at the parking lot has ceased. This decision has coincided with an extremely snow-filled winter and has led to concerns from the local snowmobile club that the lack of snow clearing at the lot has had a negative impact on snowmobilers visiting the area.
Owen Sound Deputy Mayor Scott Greig said he wanted the staff report to include alternative possibilities for the lot – including the Municipality of Grey Highlands taking on snow clearing for the parking lot. Greig said he didn’t think the “taxpayers of Grey County” should be paying for snow clearing for snowmobilers. He also said he preferred to see paid parking at the lot.
At one point, Deputy Warden Brian Milne – who chaired the meeting as Warden Andrea Matrosovs was absent – reminded members of council to stay on topic.
“The motion is asking for a report,” said Milne, adding that staff would report back on options and feasibility of providing winter maintenance at the lot.
McQueen noted that the county has invested heavily in its trails system and that visitors, such as snowmobilers, using the trail have a positive impact on the local economy.
“We have spent a lot of money on this trail system over the years,” McQueen noted.