ATHABASCA – Parade-goers during the annual Canada Day Parade are going to have to watch their step near the former Grand Union Hotel, which remains a moderate safety hazard for passersby.
Town of Athabasca councillors discussed potential methods to prevent an accident at the former landmark, which was reduced to a debris-filled basement in a July 23 fire last summer.
“A couple of people came forward about the July 1 parade, they’re afraid that if people line up in the area near that big hole, that someone will back up into it or a kid will fall in,” said Coun. Edie Yuill.
The bright orange fence has become a staple at Athabasca’s main intersection where it has provided a modicum of protection for pedestrians as they walk past it. Yuill’s concern stemmed from the fence’s rather unsteady history — high winds have blown it back into the pit on more than one occasion, and she was unsure if it would stop someone who stumbled onto it.
Yuill’s arguments didn’t sway her fellow councillors, who defeated a motion to add additional barriers in a 4-3 vote. Mayor Rob Balay and councillors Dave Pacholok, Ida Edwards, and Darlene Reimer felt the additional safety wasn’t needed, while Jon LeMessurier and Sara Graling concurred with Yuill.
“To me, it’s an odd issue but that’s just my opinion,” said Balay.
As always, the parade will head down 50 Avenue before turning onto 49 Street and the corner where the hotel once stood is always a busy spot. Besides the hole, Athabascans will have to watch out for the sandbags and fence feet that line the sidewalk.
Last year's annual Moonlight Madness parade also went past the former hotel after it burned down without incident.
One idea put forward was to write a letter to the building owner's legal representative, but council thought it would just fall on deaf ears.
"If I thought that would do any good it would be a good idea," said Pacholok.
