BONNYVILLE - The Town of Bonnyville has announced the Jessie Lake Trail Lighting project's completion.
According to information released by the municipality on Feb. 12, this $1 million project spanned two years and was completed in three phases.
In 2023, the area from 66 Street to Gurneyville Rd was lit up. The second and third phases were completed in 2024. The second phase involved installing lights from Gurneyville Road to Pontiac Park while the final phase was from Pontiac Park to 38 Street.
Elisa Brosseau, mayor for the Town of Bonnyville, expressed her excitement at the completion of the Jessie Lake Trail Lighting project.
“We're excited to see our vision of a well-lit Jessie Lake Trail come to life,” said Brosseau. “This is a significant step in our community recreation plan, has been a long-term goal for the Town, and will allow residents to enjoy its beauty at any hour.”
Bill Rogers, chief administrative officer for the Town of Bonnyville, said since Bonnyville is the oil and gas service centre for the region, many residents work shift work. Having the trail system well-lit means that these people can also enjoy the recreation area at all hours.
He added that many residents enjoy walking and doing other outdoor activities in the evening, when it is typically dark outside.
According to Rogers, other community groups such as the Wellness Coalition, the local cross-country ski club and many others, use the trail area regularly.
“Residents are really enjoying the new lighted trail,” Rogers told Lakeland This Week.
Rogers continued by stating that officials are in the process of developing a Jesse Lake Recreation Plan that will outline future recreation and quality of life projects centered on this area of town.
“The current trail project was actually envisioned over 15 years ago as a future goal and was successfully carried out by our current council,” Rogers explained. “Council has made recreation - as a quality of life - one of their strategic priorities for many years.”
According to information from the Town of Bonnyville, residents are invited to explore the Jessie Lake Trail and “experience the enhanced ambience created by the new lighting.”
