Planning work to address gaps in the Red Willow trail system will go ahead thanks to a budget motion from Coun. Ken MacKay.
This project was added to the city's 10-year capital plan in 2015 to address missing sections of trail on the north side of the Sturgeon River by the Oakmont neighbourhood, and east to an existing dead-end trail behind the Botanica development.
Council approved funding the first phase of the project charter for $298,400 in 2021 from the capital reserve, to get started on public engagement, environmental and geotechnical assessments, route options and detailed design for the proposed trail construction phases if feasible. The first phase does not include any construction.
The city has received requests from residents to complete the missing portion of the trail system for years, and it's time to figure out whether it's possible, MacKay said.
"Move the first phase so we can get a clearer picture of what we are up against, and if this is feasible to go forward with, or if this is something we should abandon and look at other alternatives to connect with our neighbourhoods," he said.
Risk of 'sunk cost'
In a background document, administration brought forward a number of concerns with the project, including floodplain sensitivity, erosion and limited space for trails. If it's too expensive or unrealistic to move forward to construction, "the $298,400 that would be allocated for this project could become a sunk cost," though administration noted the study could be shelved for a later date.
Councillors Ray Watkins and Sheena Hughes spoke against the motion, noting the project might not move forward even if the study is funded.
Mayor Cathy Heron said she is also "frustrated" by project studies that never reach the construction phase, pointing to Millennium Park as an example. However, she said the city won't know what the issues are until a study is done.
"I'm going to support your motion, let's connect the north side of the river and make it enjoyable for all of St. Albert, not just private ownership."
Before the vote, former city councillor Neil Korotash spoke in favour of MacKay's motion. He said one of his regrets while on council was not continuing Red Willow Trail on the north side of the river.
"(Red Willow Trail) is a true gem that all St. Albertans love," Korotash said. "I'm really encouraged to see there is a motion on the books and there is a plan hopefully to connect Red Willow Trail on both sides of the river. I'd like to see it done sooner rather than later – I think it's one of those things where the longer you leave it, the harder it gets."
The motion passed in a 5-2 vote on Dec. 1, with Hughes and Watkins voting against.
