Steinbach city council is beginning to think about improving Park Road, west of Clearspring Centre. The question was raised last week by councillor Cari Penner who noted there has been an increased use of that section of road, especially this summer as motorists avoid construction on Highway #12.

Mayor Chris Goertzen says there are a number of factors city council must consider when considering an upgrade there.

"Park Road West is being used more and more by people using Industrial Road and the Clearspring area. And, as we look at that and we look at that specific part of the road over the next year, we'll have to make some key decisions on how that will get paid for. Part of it, of course, needs to be paid for by the developers (and land owners) in that area and the question of council will need to be; How much gets paid for by the general public because of the wider use of that road? So council is going to look closely at that and make a fair decision so that we can proceed and have that area improved and also developed."

Chief Administrative Officer Troy Warkentin advised council another complicating factor is that many properties on the south side of that street have been or are being developed while the north side is farmland. Furthermore, he says it has not yet determined what the ideal configuration is for Park Road going further west, whether it should be a four lane concrete or two lane asphalt surface.

Goertzen says there is a big difference in cost.

"We'll have to decide on what's appropriate for that area over the long term, not just the short term."