Photo 22656258 © Anetlanda | Dreamstime.com

By Alessia Proietti

Active Transportation Grant

Penhold applying for $1.6 million grant to expand trail system

Apr 21, 2022 | 4:27 PM

The Town of Penhold will be applying for a $1.6 million grant from the federal government to expand its trail system.

At their April 11 meeting, council requested administration to pursue funding from Infrastructure Canada from the Active Transportation Grant.

The grant is a commitment of $400 million over five years for the creation of transportation options away from cars and towards active means and lifestyles.

This funding will allow the town to complete the majority of its Active Transportation Plan initiatives, identified in 2016, encompassing extensive trail development and options for pedestrians.

For Mayor Mike Yargeau, the grant application was deemed an opportunity for the Town to be able to fully realize its vision for recreational offerings to residents.

Roll with the Punches Tour

Tickets now on sale for Bryan Adams tour stop in Red Deer

10h ago

march 10 meeting

City council to finalize 2026 operating budget and three-year plan

15h ago

$2.7 Million

Red Deer building permit values decline in February

15h ago

“Anytime we reach out to residents to see what is important to them, especially when it comes to recreation, trails are always top of the list,” he said.

In early March 2022, the Town also received a $490,000 investment from the federal government’s Canada Community Revitalization Fund to complete the “Community Hub” project, improving the recreational lands south of the Multiplex. The improvement includes trail connectivity, furnishings such as benches, a common area, restroom, and developments of the pump track, Skate Park, and Ball Diamond Park.

READ: Penhold receives “Community Hub” grant, expanding recreation space and trails

These adjustments are expected to be completed this year, beginning construction in spring 2022.

If the Active Transportation Grant is accepted, it will be applied towards:

• Further connectivity of 13 trails, around 6 km worth, throughout the town
• Footbridge to allow access from west to east of the waterway
• Aeration system waterway at the Regional Multiplex ponds for clean water
• Boat dock for fishing and kayaking
• Lighting of trails

“We’re a bedroom community to Red Deer,” said Mayor Yargeau. “Red Deer has a beautiful trail system and our residents want some of that in their own backyard too.”

The grant is a 60/40 funding application, meaning the federal government will provide 60 per cent of the funds if the Town puts forward the remaining 40 per cent. In this case, the project would cost the town $600,000 which would come from reserves, as the grant was not identified in the budget.