A lobby group that focuses on issues in the City of St. John’s is wondering why the use of a public engagement process if the wishes are not followed.

Those on council in favour of allocating an extra $1.35-million now argue that in order to make any significant progress on snow and ice control on sidewalks, the planning has to start now. Those against are concerned about adding that much money outside of the normal budgetary process.

Jen Crowe of Happy City St. John’s says $1.35-million represents only a small portion of the total budget, about $305-million.

She sees it as a public safety issue as last winter a pedestrian was killed in slippery walking conditions and several were injured.