City council has put the brakes on proposed amendments to the city's 2007 plan to establish a network of trails in the city.

Members of council took turns Monday night speaking to outstanding concerns they had.

There was particular emphasis on the proposal to replace a central oversight committee of community representatives with a committee of government bureaucrats.

Council members unanimously agreed to put off voting on the proposed amendments until they had more time to review the proposals.

The matter is scheduled to return to council for further discussion on April 2.

The proposed amendments along with the rewrite of the bylaw governing snowmobile use in the city has sparked passionate debate in recent weeks.

While some argued the need for more trails which prohibit the use of snowmachines and ATVs, others maintained mixed use trails are working just fine.

City administration, however, was accused of single-handedly bringing forward the recommendation to replace the committee of citizens with government representatives, without any feedback from the public.

The 2007 trail plan was the product of significant public input, and its recommendations should not be changed with a simple stroke of the pen, council was told.

It's as though something has been pushed before council for its approval without going through any public process, Coun. Betty Irwin told her colleagues last night.

Coun. Dave Stockdale said he remains concerned that city hall has not responded to specific issues raised about the amendments and the plan in general.

And Coun. Florence Roberts said she's bothered by the suggestion that some of the city's trail maps are inaccurate.

Before council voted to defer the vote on the trail plan amendments, Coun. Kirk Cameron had indicated he was planning to put forward a motion to amend the proposed amendments.

Cameron explained afterwards he supports returning to the original recommendation for a committee of representatives from the community to oversee issues or disputes arising out of planning the city's network of trails.