County considering alternatives for Belvedere Bridge swimmers

County of Barrhead councillors believe Pembina River-swimmers need a safer place to go other than the Belvedere Bridge.

Council voted unanimously Oct. 3 on a motion from Coun. Marvin Schatz directing administration to investigate the possible feasibility and location of a recreational facility along the Pembina River.

The idea, which was not part of regular council business, was brought forward by Schatz during his councillor report.

“When I was out looking for nominations, several residents mentioned the ongoing safety issues of swimming on the river at Belvedere bridge and while I informed them that the county is aware of the issue, because of the RCMP presence in the area, many swimmers are now crossing into private property to access the river,” Schatz said adding a number of residents have asked him why the county doesn’t look at building a safe alternative.

“People like the idea of going to the river to swim. It doesn’t matter that we now have a pool in town, it just doesn’t compare. My question is, would it be possible for us to look at options to put in a parking lot, some outhouses, a few picnic tables, just something so that people can go somewhere safe and don’t have to trample across private property? We have lots of campgrounds on lakes and can’t see how the liability would be any different.”

Coun. Bill Lane agreed.

“I’ve often wondered the same thing. It’s only a matter of time before there is an accident at the bridge where people normally swim,” he said.

For his part, reeve Doug Drozd acknowledged the idea has merit.

“I’ve been curious about this for years. The Pembina River is an asset for us and people are going to swim in there regardless. It might not happen until 2020, but I think it is worth the effort of looking into this and seeing if there is anything we can do,” he said.