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Survey shows majority favor vehicle access at Ojibwe Island; council weighs hybrid management and safety upgrades
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Summary
A city survey of 1,287 respondents found 56.5% favor regular vehicle access to Ojibwe Island and 75% rely on vehicles to reach the park; staff recommended a hybrid managed-access model prioritizing daytime vehicle access, improved lighting, restrooms and safety measures. Council discussed phased reopening, accessibility and event programming.
City staff presented results of an Ojibwe Island survey and outlined recommended next steps for reopening and operating the park after construction.
The presentation, based on 1,287 responses, found 56.5% of respondents prefer the island to reopen to regular vehicle access and 75% said they most often access the park by vehicle. Respondents prioritized practical improvements such as restroom upgrades, lighting, seating and accessible walking paths; safety concerns were concentrated after dark.
Staff noted the survey was not a statistically controlled sample and should be one input among operational, budget and accessibility considerations. The recommended approach is a hybrid managed-access model: daytime vehicle access with traffic calming, defined parking areas, hardened edges to protect lawns, and visible safety measures such as improved lighting and better maintenance.
Council members and residents focused on the balance between vehicle access and public safety, accessibility for visitors with mobility limitations, and how to re-engage lapsed users. Council asked staff for phased reopening options, cost estimates for additional security lighting and cameras, and suggested scheduling special events and family-oriented activities to reactivate the park once key construction work is finished.
Staff said the team expects to return to council with an implementation package and more precise costs; some projects (docks, stage rehabilitation, shoreline stabilization) are complete or in progress. The city anticipates regular vehicle access likely daily after construction, with continued consideration of hybrid or time-limited models.
