The MD of Bonnyville continues to request feedback from residents and weren’t disappointed with what they heard when it comes to the Northshore Trail.
Representatives from the municipality, along with SE Design and Consulting Inc., a Cold Lake-based consulting firm tasked with designing the trail, were on-hand during the event to answer any questions.
According to Chris McCord, director of parks, recreation, and culture for the MD, the information gathered was positive.
”There was a couple of concerns brought up that were awesome. It was stuff that we hadn’t really considered,” she expressed.
One included the location of a crossing point, which attendees believed the suggested location could be problematic.
”After talking to residents who actually live there... the ditch is very steep and it’s very busy. They recommended putting it down a little further, and it’s like, ‘awesome. That’s exactly the kind of feedback we were looking for,’” said McCord.
Another concern brought up by attendees was how off-highway vehicle traffic would be impacted.
”The trail is going to to get high enough that quads will still be able to access the lower half of the ditch. It doesn’t appear to be a problem with the existing trails,” added McCord.
On a survey, the municipality asked if residents felt the trail should have lighting and a lookout point with a view of the lake.
The proposed trail would run from Hwy. 28 along Moose Lake, with the potential to go as far as Hwy. 660.
”Basically, it would start just around where the water treatment plant is, and then it would follow the ditch... all the way up. Now, how far we go is going to be a council decision, if we just go to the Iron Horse Trail or all the way up to Hwy. 660,” detailed McCord.
Invitations to the open house went out to residents living around Northshore Trail area. They were encouraged to take a look at the plans, add their comments, and ask questions.
Attendee Helene Serbu wanted to see what had been designed as the trail will be going along the front of her property.
”We like it. It’s a way to have people do a little bit more exercising and using the trail safely. The road is narrow, so safe walking and biking will be good.”
Once all the information is gathered, SE Design and Consulting Inc. will provide a summary to the municipality for council to consider.
”One of the biggest questions we had was whether or not people are interested in using it the winter time, which is one one of the questions that will determine... the level of service for snow cleaning,” explained Steven Engman, project manager for SE Design and Consulting Inc.
