By rdnewsNOW staff

PRIORITY PROJECTS

Lacombe prioritizes trails projects for completion in 2020

Jan 30, 2020 | 7:42 AM

LACOMBE- Following recommendations from the Lacombe and District Recreation, Parks and Culture Board and the Bill Nielsen Trail Society, Council has reallocated the budgets of three stalled trail capital projects to two higher priority projects for completion this year.

Council’s decision sees the cancellation of the Michener Rec Area Wood Chip Path and the Wolf Creek Hwy 12 to Fish Pond projects, with their combined budget of $92,475 in funding reallocated to the Fairway Heights Willow Ridge Network for engineered design and construction of the Westview Stairs and associated trail upgrades, for a total of $200,754.

The Trans-Canada NE of Henners project was also cancelled, and the budgeted $516,000 was reallocated to the Elizabeth Lake 300-metre Boardwalk project. This increases the total budget of the project from $271,700 to $787,700.

The cancelled projects will remain part of the overall City of Lacombe Trails Plan for when further funding becomes available.

Completing the Fairway Heights Willow Ridge Network with an outdoor stairway as a linkage between trails and neighbourhood walkways is a significant increase to the City’s existing service level. It will provide trail users from adjacent neighbourhoods with access to a natural recreation area with views overlooking marshlands and Whelp Creek, and can serve as a significant fitness challenge for runners and walkers.

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Around Elizabeth Lake, the current partial trail will become a complete, lengthy circuit with multiple access points serving walkers and runners of all ages and fitness abilities. The boardwalk crossing will be a new feature in the community, enhancing the nature experience with an accessible water feature, and is expected to attract visitors from around the region.

The project was made possible because of a land donation from the local Bowett family.

“With these decisions, Council is demonstrating its commitment to further enhance Lacombe’s strong reputation as a great place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Grant Creasey. “Our trails system offers many environmental and health benefits, and we are proud to work with our partners to build a growing sense of community.”