The Lakeland Sports and Recreation Association presented its latest updated plan to construct a multi-use walking trail between Bonnyville and the communities surrounding Moose Lake to the MD of Bonnyville Council last Wednesday, during its regular council meeting, and was met with positive reviews.
The goal of the group in phase one of its plans is to create a 24 kilometre paved trail, linking the Jessie Lake trails to a new trail system connecting the communities around Moose Lake.
It would be free for users, and allow them a safe way to stay active and experience the Bonnyville area by foot or bicycle.
LSRA committee member Lorie Legault said the trail would “be another beautiful amenity and attract and keep more people in the area, along with promoting healthy lifestyles.”
The entire project would eventually be a 55-kilometer trail, three meters wide, with lighting on the main portions and plans to be completed over a four-year period.
The estimated cost of phase one is set at $10.7 million, with the group looking for $700,000 from the MD this year, for initial engineering and to go to tender, along with a request of $1.77 million over the next three years.
The balance of the funding will be raised through a combination of business, government and private donations, including the Town of Bonnyville.
“Right now we're at the stage where we are looking for council's support. The next step would be fundraising. And then we hope to start construction in 2014,” explained Chuck McNutt, manager with Focus Corporation, an engineering firm partnered with the LSRA.
So far the public has met the project with very positive reviews.
According to a survey done by the group, of 1,405 respondents, including 738 adults and 667 children under 14 years old, 94.7 per cent responded with positive feedback.
Council also felt the project could be good for the community, but stopped short of providing any concrete plans for funding, noting the project would be looked into further at a future council meeting.
“Let me just say, that was a very well-done, professional presentation. You guys did a very good job,” said Coun. Fred Bamber, following the presentation.
