At a council meeting earlier this week, councillors discussed whether the construction of the sidewalk, which would be on the south side from Berkhout Terrace to Haist St., was a waste of taxpayers money.

"I'm a big supporter of sidewalks," said Coun. Sharon Cook. "But it's a waste of taxpayers money to put sidewalks on both sides of the street when there is already one."

Cook also said that the area where the sidewalk construction is to take place is an area where no one would be able to look after it.

"We have a major issue with getting sidewalks cleared," said Cook.

She also said that city staff should take another look and find an area where the absence of a sidewalk is a major issue.

Some councillors were concerned about the fact that the town had already entered into a contract with the contractor.

"What about the sidewalk contract that we approved already? Would that be included?" asked Coun. Debbie Urbanowicz.

Director of community and infrastructure services Kelly Walsh said that due to the timing of the issue, a decision needed to be made as soon as possible. He said the report was passed at the last meeting and the contractor was also on site.

"To cancel the sidewalk could mean the town might be considered in breach of the contract," said Walsh.

The contract for the sidewalks accounts for $21,000.

Cook asked if there were other areas where $21,000 worth of sidewalk would provide safety. She also said council should reconsider the building of the sidewalk and look at an alternate site.

Coun. Peter Papp expressed his concerns over possible penalties for reconsidering the site.

"If the contractor is agreeable to the change of the site then there's no problem," said Walsh.

Urbanowicz and Coun. John Durley both agreed that they wouldn't feel comfortable until they spoke with the contractor and ensured the town wouldn't be penalized."

"What concerns me is that we're changing this halfway through," said Mayor Dave Augustyn. "It was in the tender that was approved in August."

Augustyn said that similar concerns were raised in June but that council voted to continue the construction. He also said that it was important for council to continue with the original plans.

"The active transportation committee has said quite clearly that this is a sidewalk that is deemed very important," said Augustyn.

Cook disagreed and said that if they were talking about walkable communities and safety than they should get sidewalks on one side of the street before putting them on both sides.

Council agreed that they will consider another site conditional on the agreement with the contractor. If another site was not found the plans would go along as planned. Only Augustyn opposed.