The city knew the canal area would be open and should have been prepared to erect a barrier before construction started.
A noticeable orange warning fence would be appropriate along the stretch of canal running perpendicular to Main Street in Lewiston.

In recent weeks, the city tore down the former Spectrum Music building and leveled the property as part of the downtown gateway beautification project. Left behind is a dirt lot with wide, clear access to the canal.

It looks good, but it presents a danger to anyone who might wander over to the edge of the canal to peek in.

According to the city’s purchasing agent, Norm Beauparlant, a barrier is going to be erected. The city has a request out for an estimate to extend the guard rail along Main Street, turning it in toward the canal. A 6-foot chain link fence, covered with black vinyl, will also be installed.

Once the estimate is received, the materials will be ordered and the installation arranged. It will take a couple of weeks, Beauparlant said.

That’s too long.

The city knew from the start of this project that a fence would be needed there, but waited until the building came down to get a good look at the lay of the land to decide what should be installed.

In public places, there are few more attractive things than open water. Someone is bound to defy common sense and stroll canalside. A fence is needed now.

The city has shown great willingness in the past to address safety problems.

When engineers declared the burned-out Libby Mill a danger to the public, a fence was installed immediately.

It should be clear – without such an official warning – that the canal presents a similar danger.

It wouldn’t take much to mark the canal, and it’s something the city can do quickly. An orange fence, or maybe some snow fencing, just something to let people know that the water is off limits.
jmeyer@sunjournal.com

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