Summerside considers grooming boardwalk for skiing, snowshoeing

People in Summerside could be skiing or snowshoeing on parts of the city's boardwalk this winter.

Council is asking residents if they think the waterfront boardwalk should be plowed for walking this winter as in other years, or if parts should instead be groomed or packed for winter recreation.

"We're talking about an area of our city that's quite heavily utilized," said J.P. Desrosiers, the director of community services for the city of Summerside.

"I don't think anybody anticipated when we first opened the boardwalk a number of years ago how much usage the boardwalk would receive, and especially since we've added extensions to it, it's continuing to grow which is fantastic for our city."

A 3-kilometre stretch of the boardwalk has been plowed and salted in past winters, and many residents have used it for walking.

"It should provide less wear and tear on the boardwalk, and perhaps increase usage," said Desrosiers of the idea of grooming the snow on parts of the boardwalk.

"Rather than residents having to leave the city to find groomed trails in provincial parks, they could do so right in the downtown core which would be an interesting opportunity and ... a beautiful landscape."

The city is holding a public meeting to hear from residents at city hall Thursday night at 6.