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Hanover council votes 5–1 for sidewalks on East End Trail after months of debate
Summary
After months of public letters and council study, Hanover council voted 5–1 to proceed with a concrete sidewalk option for the East End Trail, directing staff to build sidewalks from 22nd Ave. E to 24th Ave. The motion was moved by Councillor Brandon Cable and passed after sustained debate about privacy, habitat and costs.
Hanover council voted 5–1 on July 13 to proceed with a sidewalk-focused option for the contested East End Trail, adopting a motion by Councillor Brandon Cable to add concrete sidewalks from 22nd Avenue East to 24th Avenue and accept the developer-built parking lot in 2026.
The decision followed a staff report from Andrew Wilkin, director of development and infrastructure, laying out three alternatives and their municipal cost implications. Wilkin said the developer can construct sidewalks within the subdivision at no cost to the town, while a hybrid option combining sidewalks, a pedestrian bridge and a parking lot would cost the municipality roughly $83,600 after contributions and grant assumptions.
Councillors debated privacy and environmental tradeoffs for two blocks where a nature-based trail would pass immediately beside private properties. “I support leaving the natural habitat in its current and protected state,” Councillor Dave Hawking said while explaining his vote for sidewalks, adding he was disturbed by what he described as an unfounded allegation earlier in the process about a conflict of interest involving a family member. Councillor Susan Sacco called the issue “two blocks” and urged closure: “I would like to see this issue wrapped up today.”
Councillor Brandon Cable, who moved the motion, framed Option 1 as practical and immediate: “Sidewalk connections within the Cedar West subdivision will provide residents access to natural sections of the community trail while also enhancing year‑round walkability.” The motion was seconded by Councillor Hocking (Hawking).
The council recorded the vote: Councillors Hawking, Cable, Sacco, Hudson and Deputy Mayor Warren Dickert voted in favor; Mayor Sue Patterson voted opposed. The motion carried and staff were directed to proceed with the sidewalk option as outlined in report PB16‑26.
What happens next: staff will advance the sidewalk work with the developer and incorporate the project into the town’s capital schedule; specific construction timing will depend on developer timelines and subsequent staff reports.
