Council warned $10 million Glacier Gateway mobility project will require intensive resident outreach

City staff told the Columbia Falls council workshop that the Glacier Gateway safety and mobility project is the Streets Department’s top capital priority for FY26 and that the large-scale project will require prolonged, individualized public engagement.

Staff described the Glacier Gateway Mobility Project as a roughly $10 million corridor project that will impact sidewalks, trees and adjacent properties. Staff said the design is at approximately 60% and that further public engagement, door‑to‑door outreach and open houses will be scheduled before construction. Staff said they will coordinate with the hired public-relations firm for broader messaging while city staff handle direct resident contact on specific impacts.

Staff also mentioned a separate downtown 'firewall' (sidewalk/downtown infrastructure) improvement project; both projects will require engineering, public hearings and clear communications about construction timelines and property effects.

Council members asked about outreach methods; staff said prior public hearings and media coverage have occurred and that the city will supplement that with door hangers and direct conversations with residents, plus another open house before construction begins. No construction contract award or construction schedule was approved at the workshop.