Concerned Cottonwood residents pleased with decision to restrict parking

Many Cottonwood residents are very pleased with Steinbach City Council's decision to restrict parking in the area from 8 to 5 on weekdays. 

For years, many residents have been concerned about students using the walkway that connects Cottonwood Drive to McKenzie Boulevard. They say students use both ends of the pathway as a place to consume and sell drugs and alcohol. They also say they’ve been dealing with vandalism, kids hanging out on their yards, litter, etc. 

In their most recent attempt to address these issues, residents from 10 households on both Cottonwood Drive and Cottonwood Bend signed a petition asking city council to restrict parking in their area and close the pathway. 

Fred Hiebert has lived on Cottonwood Drive for well over a decade. He notes for he and his wife Lisa, things really came to a head when these issues drove away his neighbours. 

“It broke our hearts when we found out that our [friends] were going to move out. Then, we said, this has gone far enough. Just fabulous neighbours, you couldn't find nicer neighbours and then when they are going to pack their bags and leave, then it is time to step forward and do what we have to do.” 

Hiebert says they didn’t feel safe in their own neighbourhood.  

Though the petition signatories would have liked to see the Cottonwood pathway closed down during school hours, Hiebert says this is a step in the right direction. 

“We appreciate that they took this into consideration.” He notes “We are going to try this. I agree with the mayor and I agree with council, let's try this. Let's not go off the deep end, let's try this and if this doesn't work, then we've got to continue with it and the sidewalk has to be shut down, there will no option.” 

Hiebert hopes restricted parking will make the Cottonwood Neighbourhood a less desirable place for students to hang out. Parking will be restricted on both Cottonwood Drive and Cottonwood Bend.

The sidewalk connecting Cottonwood Drive and McKenzie Avenue is the source of many concerns in the neighbourhood.