Renovated decking and handrailing for Taunton Trestle in Clearwater County. (Clearwater County website)

By rdnewsNOW Staff/ CHAT News Staff

new outdoor experience

Rail Trail development project in west central Alberta reaches new milestone

Nov 24, 2023 | 1:35 PM

A Rail Trail development project in west central Alberta has reached a new milestone, according to a recent announcement by the provincial government.

In 2009, Clearwater County commissioned the Rocky Mountain House to Nordegg Trail concept plan, measuring 109 kilometres in length, to transform an abandoned rail line along a section of the historic Canadian Northern Western Railway (CMRW) into an outdoor corridor.

The Alberta government says they recognized the project’s potential and provided $6 million capital funding for trail development over the next three to five years for design and construction work. They have already invested $2.4 million to date to develop 45 kilometres of trails in the first two phases of the project.

Officials say the Rail Trail has been 30 years in the making as the Brazeau Branch rail line and Taunton Trestle bridge were in use from 1914 to 1985. This renovated and completed section of the project is now open to the public, serving a renewed purpose as a multi-use recreational trail.

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“We celebrate the restoration of the Taunton Trestle, a symbol of our community’s rich history and a vital part of our multi-use trail system. This collaboration between Clearwater County and the Province of Alberta reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage and ensuring safer access for all. This project also aligns seamlessly with our council’s strategic plan, emphasizing partnerships and the embrace of our coal transportation era’s cultural roots at Brazeau Collieries Mine Sites,” said Michelle Swanson, Clearwater County Reeve.

The County’s contributions have been $900,000 in cost-matching to date, as well as two industrial lots valued at $90,000 and nine kilometres of trail valued at approximately $60,000.

When complete, the province says the trail will include amenities such as rest stops, picnic sites and remote campsites. Users will be able to access the trail at multiple points along the route, including the Saunders and Harlech Provincial Recreation Areas and the Nordegg Industrial Park.

As a multi-use trail, officials say it will be accessible to hikers, mountain bikers and off-highway vehicles. In the winter season, the trail will be used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dogsledding.

“The reopening of the Rail Trail between Nordegg and Rocky Mountain House reflects the collaborative efforts of government, local organizations and passionate community members who have worked tirelessly to restore and revitalize this treasured piece of our community. I congratulate and extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in making this project a reality,” said Jason Nixon, MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre.

Work on the trail will continue over the next three years, provincial officials say.

Phase 3 of the project will link Sunset Creek to the Chambers Creek Provincial Recreation Area and will include construction of a parking area near the redecked Taunton Trestle. Construction is scheduled to begin in fall 2024 and be completed by late 2025.

Phase 4 of the project will connect Chambers Creek Provincial Recreation Area to the Rocky Mountain House area with about 20 kilometres of trail, pending regulatory and land use approvals. Construction is tentatively scheduled to start in the fall of 2026.

“Continued improvements to the Rail Trail will help build regional tourism along this historic route and allow Albertans and visitors alike to experience our world-class trail system, “ said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, adding that it will also create new recreation and economic opportunities.

The Rail Trail project is part of the Alberta government’s Crown Lands Trails and Tourism capital investment commitment of $33.7 million over seven years. Other commitments currently in progress include the Livingstone Public Land Use Zone: Atlas and McGillivray staging area improvements.