A crew is at work this month putting in a picnic table and two benches at the top of Skeenaview Hill on the edge of the McConnell Estates/Skeenaview Lodge housing complex.
The seating will be accompanied by an asphalt sidewalk from McConnell Estates to the location, making it easier for its senior citizen residents and those from Terraceview to enjoy the view of the city and area, says city leisure services director Carmen Didier.
“The idea came one day when I noticed family members trying to maneuver their loved one, who was in a wheelchair, out to the lookout,” said Didier.
“The family had to lift the wheelchair to reach the lookout and it just seemed like at some point in the future we should do something to make that accessible for folks living in Terraceview and McConnell Estates.”
Didier then became aware of a federal program for senior citizens and successfully applied for a $21,125 to cover most if not all of the work. Axis Mountain Technical has been hired by the city to do the work.
Previously, one bench had been located at the lookout area.
The 75-metre long sidewalk connecting the McConnell Estates gateway to the new lookout seating will be made of asphalt.
The picnic table is such that it will be easier for seniors and others to use.
Also to be installed at the spot is a story board highlighting the history of the area.
Didier said she received the support of Kermode Tourism, McConnell Estates/Terraceview Lodge, the Heritage Park Museum and community historian Yvonne Moen in applying for the federal grant.
A first version of this story said a city crew was completing the work. In fact, the city has contracted out the work.