‘Sidewalk to nowhere’ draws debate in Smithers

SMITHERS, B.C. – On a lonely stretch of concrete in Smithers, B.C., a black-and-white sign cautions passersby: “The end is near.”

But rather than warn of impending doomsday, the sign literally refers to the end of the sidewalk, just a short 30-metre stroll away.

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The “sidewalk to nowhere” outside North Central Plumbing and Heating is causing controversy in the small northwestern British Columbia town.

A local bylaw requires property owners with building permits of over $75,000 to construct public infrastructure, including sidewalks, outside their premises.

General manager Trevor Bruintjes says North Central Plumbing and Heating spent $10,000 to build the walkway that connects to nothing — as the nearest sidewalk is 500 metres away.

Mayor Taylor Bachrach says the isolated sidewalk has created so much conversation that the town will hold a public meeting on Thursday to discuss the bylaw and possible alternatives.