MOOSE JAW — One city councillor is frustrated that contractors have spray-painted infrastructure throughout the downtown to indicate upcoming construction projects, considering those markings — some on brickwork — appear to be permanent.
During city council’s recent regular meeting, Coun. Heather Eby said she noticed last year and this year that streets and sidewalks near work areas had been spray-painted. She particularly noticed this paint on brickwork in the downtown and near First Avenue Northwest and Fairford Street.
“Once we spray paint that … it’s like we’ve graffitied something and then that spray paint is there forever,” she said. “Is there not a better way to do that?”
Eby added that she has 10 photos on her smartphone of spray paint on brickwork and firmly believes it resembles graffiti.
Bevan Harlton, director of operations, replied that third parties have made those markings, with specific colours used to indicate the type of underground infrastructure. Moreover, those contractors mark roads and sidewalks “in a way that is substantive” and long-lasting instead of using sprays that fade over time.
Most third parties are marking Crown utilities, while city staff spray-painted Fairford Street ahead of planned infrastructure renewal efforts, he added.
Eby said she was OK with streets and sidewalks being marked for upcoming work, but didn’t like how the paint would remain forever. She wondered if city hall could clean up those markings considering it’s also focused on beautifying the community.
Harlton said that he would find an answer and report back.
Meanwhile, Coun. Dawn Luhning said a resident sent her photos of broken grates on River Street where trees used to be, while there were some spots with no grates and large holes. She wondered if this issue was on city hall’s radar and whether it would fill in those holes to reduce safety hazards.
Derek Blais, director of community services, said this issue has been on his department’s capital replacement plan for years but has been deferred annually because of other priorities. Meanwhile, for any safety hazards, he suggested that people submit their concerns using the city’s app.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, May 12.
