Soccer fence openings to accommodate horse trailers

By Ian MacKay

Town staff will remove sections of fencing at the east and west ends of the soccer pitch to create access for horse trailers.

The decision was made at the June 1 council meeting after public works superintendent Bob Bors and Trent Aylward, representing local horse owners, toured the area at the north end of the sports grounds.

Removing trees around the Diamond 3 outfield would not create additional trailer space because the area serves as a warm-up zone for horses, Bors told council.

Horse owners had initially proposed removing the soccer field's north fence. However, the Harvest Family Festival committee requested that the fence remain in place because it serves as a safety barrier during the Tough Trucks event. The committee noted the barrier is required for insurance purposes.

Instead, Aylward suggested creating large openings at both ends of the soccer pitch to allow trailers to enter from one side and exit from the other.

Councillors supported the proposal, with Mayor Trevor Hay describing it as “a good compromise.”

Responding to a question from Coun. Art Garrett, Bors said Aylward was confident the arrangement would work for horse owners.