Taken from the roll call in the town’s own minutes. The minutes record who was not there and almost never why.
What was decided (3 motions)
2 carried, 1 recorded otherwise. Every motion below is printed as the minutes print it.
Committee Recommendation: THAT the report titled, “Shakespeare Gardens Island Pedestrian Footbridge Removal” (ITS25-009), be received for information. Members of the Committee and Staff held a discussion regarding the following: the pedestrian footbridge being a valuable piece of the gardens valued by many in the community; Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee Minutes 3 June 9, 2025 the Parks Board being in full support of removal and having requested feedback from the family with the benches on the island, the Friends of the Shakespearean Gardens and having put an article in the newspaper; the removal being well received with the benches to be relocated and the island to be made a natural garden and feedback still encouraged; the Director of Infrastructure Services noted the bridge condition being a hazard with removal being necessary; removal not impacting an accessible bridge and site area in future; a rebuild requiring updates and redesign to meet current accessibility standards, including a flat bridge and dismounts on the island; and, a member noted the money could be put towards accessibility upgrades on the Tom Patterson Bridge which sees more visitors. The Chair called the question on the motion.
Moved by Councillor Biehn, seconded by Councillor Beatty
Carried
THAT Staff be directed to prepare a report with options for possible reconstruction or a new bridge for the Shakespearean Gardens.
Moved by Councillor Sebben, seconded by Councillor Wordofa
Defeated
Committee Decision: THAT the Infrastructure, Transportation and Safety Committee meeting adjourn.
Moved by Councillor Henderson, seconded by Councillor Nijjar