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River Valley Trails

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Devon — A new section of biking and walking trails was officially opened Saturday that brings the long-term dream of a ribbon of green linking Devon to Fort Saskatchewan one step closer to reality.

The three-kilometre section of paved path loops through Voyageur Park beside the North Saskatchewan River valley and ties into about 20 kilometres of gravel mountain biking routes, Devon Mayor Stephen Lindop said.

“It’s had an amazing impact, because people with disabilities can now get down here and use it,” he said, adding the town has become a magnet for hundreds of two-wheeled riders as well.

“For cycling enthusiasts, Devon is kind of a destination point, not only the paved highway, but the trails through the river valley.”

Full Story (Edmonton Journal)
 
Seeking answers to Edmonton's crumbling trail system
Edmonton’s river valley trails are deteriorating faster than the city is fixing them, even with a major budget increase and volunteer drive.

It’s a problem that seems to effect every type of trail, from paved to gravel and especially the small, single-track nature trails that mountain bikers and seniors hiking clubs adore. Those aren’t even mapped.

“We have more requirements than we do budget right now,” said Rhonda Norman, the city director who overseas river valley trails. She’s got $5.2 million to spend during this four-year capital budget cycle. But just one project – repairs to a flooded-out trail just south of the Fort Edmonton Footbridge – could eat a quarter of that.

It’s leaving trail users frustrated, struggling with deep ruts, slumping embankments and extensive detours.

Full Story (Edmonton Journal)
 
In this neck of the woods there is a program called "adopt a highway"… maybe Edmonton could consider "adopt a trail"
 
City to follow new path to fix crumbling river valley trails
Edmonton’s river valley trails have been forgotten as the little sister of infrastructure projects, but people can expect that to change, staff promised Monday.

In a report that validates many residents’ complaints, staff said at least eight per cent of the trails are in poor or very poor condition. Bad spots are found throughout the system, creating hazards from slumping banks to deeply rutted and eroding surfaces on almost every route in the valley.

City officials gave a state-of-the-infrastructure report to councillors Monday, promising a full rehabilitation strategy by fall 2017.

Full Story (Edmonton Journal)
 
David Staples: On the right path in the river valley
Edmonton’s proudest accomplishment in the past decade? How about more than doubling the amount of public walking trails along the North Saskatchewan River? It’s surely on the short list.

In 2007, the Edmonton region had just 31 km of public trails along the river. By the end of next summer — due to a determined push by the River Valley Alliance and $46 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments and seven municipalities (with $22 million spent on trails and $24 million on the Terwillegar footbridge) — we will have 80 km of linked trail going from the Anthony Henday in the southwest to Strachan’s Landing near Fort Saskatchewan (with one 1.6-km gap where you still have to use public road).

An 80-km public path through the heart of a city represents a bold vision to entice people into our most beautiful space. It’s also proper stewardship of a precious natural asset. That stewardship piece is key because we’ve generally done a terrible job with river valley development.

http://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/david-staples-on-the-right-path-in-the-river-valley
 
How should we protect our Ribbon of Green?
March 13, 2017

Edmonton’s river valley is the longest stretch of connected urban parkland in North America. The City is planning for the future protection and expansion of the northeast and southwest portions of the river valley, and needs your input. Plan to attend one of two open houses to share your ideas and feedback.

Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Location: Terwillegar Rec Centre, 2051 Leger Road NW

Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Location: Clareview Rec Centre, 3804 139 Avenue NW

For more information:
edmonton.ca/ribbonofgreen

Media contact:
Adrienne Hill
Communications Advisor
780-944-1510
 
Ribbon cut on new trails connecting Sturgeon County, Edmonton river valley
25 years after the start of the Trans Canada Trail, the pathway just keeps growing.

“Today [Saturday] we’re celebrating… [the] connection of the great trail across Canada, and there are 21 events just in Alberta,” Linda Strong-Watson, executive director of Alberta TrailNet, told the Alberta Morning News.

“In Alberta, the trail is connected but not yet complete,” Strong-Watson said. “The percentage varies a little bit, but we’re at about 63 per cent in terms of actual construction, finishing development of the trail.”

Strong-Watson said one more connection has now officially opened, with federal Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi cutting the ribbon at a ceremony on Saturday.

“At Sturgeon County, they’re celebrating the opening of two new sections of trail there — a new section of trail that I’m calling the Lamoureux Trail, and another section, Fort Augustus Historic Trail, [is] under construction at the moment, but it’s part of those opening celebrations.”

Watch below: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau goes for a hike in Gananoque to promote Canada’s national parks.

The 19 kilometres of waterfront trails link Edmonton’s river valley to Sturgeon County.

http://globalnews.ca/news/3698301/r...ecting-sturgeon-county-edmonton-river-valley/
 
I do like the adopt a trail idea, for us mountain bikers we actually have trail building nights through the EMBA (Edmonton Mountain Biking Association) and a number of shops sponsor said build nights.
 
Help shape the future of Edmonton's River Valley
October 31, 2017

Join us for the second phase of Ribbon of Green engagement at two open houses on November 6 and 7. The Ribbon of Green plan will guide the conservation, preservation and use of the North Saskatchewan river valley and ravines, focusing on two study areas -- the southwest and northeast corners of the city.The project team will share what was heard in the first phase of engagement and how it was used to shape the vision and priorities for each study area. This is an opportunity for the public to confirm the vision and priorities and share thoughts on the policies and programs for the two study areas.

Date: Monday, November 6
Time: 4 - 8 p.m.
Location: Abbottsfield Recreation Centre, 3006-119 Avenue, NW

Date: Tuesday, November 7
Time: 4 - 8 p.m.
Location: Westridge Wolf Willow Country Club Community League, 505 Wolf Willow Rd, NW

Attending the open house will be representatives from the Oleskiw River Valley Park Master Plan. There will be an opportunity to review and provide input on two concept options for the plan. These concepts were shaped by public feedback in earlier project phases. Feedback collected will help prioritize elements and develop a final concept plan that reflects citizens’ vision and identity for the park. Oleskiw River Valley Park lies within the southwest Ribbon of Green study area.

Children are warmly welcome at the open houses and there will be fun activities for them!

Can’t make the open house? Have your say on our interactive map and online questionnaire from Nov. 6 to 26 at edmonton.ca/ribbonofgreen.

For more information:
edmonton.ca/ribbonofgreen

Media contact:
Adrienne Hill
Communications Advisor
780-944-1510
 
Major rehabilitation needed on trails throughout river valley, councillor
Slope failures and severe erosion are causing construction headaches on many of Edmonton’s river valley trails and city council will have difficult decisions to make at budget time.

“It’s going to be tough,” said Coun. Andrew Knack, reviewing the list of projects heading to council’s executive committee meeting Tuesday.

Ongoing landslide concerns behind the Old Timers Cabin near Nellie McClung Park closed that path entirely. The trail near Capilano Park is also closed for public safety, and repairs are needed throughout Whitemud and Mill Creek parks.

The trail along MacKinnon Ravine floods every winter. “I don’t ride it anymore because it was so bad,” said Knack. “It was almost a mini hockey rink.”

The city report says it will cost between $1.5 million and $3.5 million per year during the 2019-2022 budget just to maintain the present state of trail system, which is 179 kilometres in length when only the improved trails are counted.

That’s in addition to the new trails city officials are hoping to construct in Terwillegar Park, in the west end of the city, in the Oleskiw area and other parks.

Coun. Michael Walters said the new report at least shows the city is now taking its river valley assets seriously.

It has a new set of criteria for how projects will be prioritized and the construction is being handled by the new integrated infrastructure services branch, which aims to ensure best practice in project management is used for all infrastructure projects.

“It’s really sensible,” he said, before taking a walk and realizing the issues in Whitemud Creek he thought were being dealt with remain.

http://edmontonjournal.com/news/loc...-on-trails-throughout-river-valley-councillor
 
Maintaining Edmonton's river valley trails will cost millions, report shows

old-timers-cabin.jpg

River valley trails stretch for 180 kilometres in Edmonton, including this closed portion near the Old Timers Cabin off Scona Road. (CBC)

The city is looking to spend millions of dollars in the next few years to improve and maintain the trail system in Edmonton's ravines and river valley.

A report in front of executive committee Tuesday shows the city needs to spend $1.5 million to $3.5 million a year to rehabilitate the 180 kilometres of trails in the river valley and ravines between 2019 and 2022.

"As the river valley and ravine system is ever-changing, trails in these areas are more vulnerable to the potential adverse impacts arising from flooding, erosion and instability," a city report said, adding that degradation can range from "minor distresses" to "more extensive failures, undermining and damage."

Mayor Don Iveson said the recommended spending is necessary.

"Ultimately we're going to have to invest if we want to have these trails into the future," Iveson said.

"I've never ever heard an Edmontonian suggest that we should short-change ourselves when it comes to the accessibility and also the safety of the river valley."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/river-valley-edmonton-mayor-don-iveson-1.4423850
 
Sierra Club questions lack of accessibility in Edmonton’s river valley plan
City councillors showed an appetite Tuesday for at least doubling the amount of money invested in rehabilitating the trail system in Edmonton’s river valley. However, they may actually ask to do even more a year from now when the next four-year capital budget comes to them.

A report reviewed by executive committee recommends spending as much as $3.5 million a year on the trails, between 2019-2022.

“That seems remarkably low to me,” Councillor Michael Walters said.
The report was strongly criticized by the Sierra Club because “not one word” about accessibility was mentioned. Sierra Club’s urban issues co-ordinator, Charlie Richmond, told reporters it’s an issue they raise on a continuous basis.

“It’s a big thing for us because we think it’s so important for everyone to have access to nature,” he said, urging councillors to think of those in wheelchairs and others who have trouble getting around when writing future plans. “Can the city just do it? It’s that simple. It’s just some words, one sentence maybe.”

https://globalnews.ca/news/3886187/...accessibility-in-edmontons-river-valley-plan/
 
Yeah, the city spent so much on the mechanical access, and yet seems to be concerned about maintaining the trails themselves. Classic.
 
16 kilometres of new trails for people now open in Edmonton’s northeast
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October 5, 2018

Councillor Aaron Paquette and Brent Collingwood, Executive Director, River Valley Alliance (RVA), officially opened the completed East End Trails Project in Edmonton’s northeast today. The project adds 16 kilometres of new asphalt and gravel trails to Edmonton’s river valley trail system and was funded in partnership with the City of Edmonton, River Valley Alliance, the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada.

“On behalf of City Council and Edmontonians, we thank our funding partners for this much-needed investment in our river valley,” said Councillor Paquette. “These trails provide the northeast with more access to recreation, mobility, and a chance to get outdoors to enjoy our beautiful city."
Construction of the $8.5 million East End Trails project began in fall 2016 and was completed on time and on budget in fall 2018. The project includes a primary asphalt trail on the north side of the river from Hermitage Park to 167 Avenue The trail on the south side of the river features a secondary gravel trail connecting the Clover Bar Area to the Anthony Henday pedestrian bridge crossing, recently constructed by the Government of Alberta.

"We’re thrilled to open another piece of the trail system for the public to access and enjoy the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley,” says RVA Executive Director Brent Collingwood. “The completion of this project gets us one step closer to the RVA’s vision of a connected, continuous river valley trail system that extends all the way from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan. The momentum towards trail connectivity is exciting, and with the support of municipal partners like the City of Edmonton and our provincial and federal supporters we’ll continue to move this forward.”

“The completion of these new trails is great news for Edmontonians,” said the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources. “The rich natural beauty of our city is one of its greatest treasures. It is something that, as Edmontonians, we take great joy in. I am proud that the Government of Canada is able to be a partner in helping more Edmontonians experience it.”

“Trails are about creating connections—not just to places, but connecting people to nature, to the city and to each other,” said Minister Shannon Phillips, Alberta Environment and Parks. “The East End Trails will provide northeast Edmontonians with year-round access to the beautiful river valley and helps connect them with wild spaces around them.”

Remaining Edmonton River Valley Alliance projects include the Boat Docks and Launches, which will be completed in late 2018, depending on river levels. Projects completed to date are the Terwillegar Park Footbridge, West End Trails and Mechanized River Valley Access.

River Valley Alliance Funding
In 2013, the City of Edmonton received $72.9 million in funding for five initiatives as part of the River Valley Alliance (RVA) Capital Project. Of this, the RVA contributed $48.6 million, and the City of Edmonton contributed $1.7 million. The remaining funding was granted from the provincial government through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, (MSI) program.

The RVA is a collaboration of the seven municipalities that border the North Saskatchewan River in the Edmonton Metropolitan region. The RVA’s goal is to create trail connectivity and access through a balanced approach of preserving, protecting and enhancing one of the largest metropolitan river valley park systems in the world for the year-round enjoyment of citizens and visitors.

In January 2013, the RVA launched a major $90 million Capital Project that includes 13 priority initiatives in 18 sites. The Government of Canada is contributing up to $30 million through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component towards the RVA Capital Project. The Government of Alberta is also contributing $30 million through the Capital Region River Valley Park grant.

For more information:
edmonton.ca/rivervalleyprojects
rivervalley.ab.ca

Government of Canada’s $180-billion+ infrastructure plan: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/about-invest-apropos-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Alberta:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html

The Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-eng.html#mic-vgi

Media contacts:
Dale Shekooley
Senior Communications Advisor
City of Edmonton
780-496-6119

Hickimatu Braimah
Project Coordinator
River Valley Alliance
403-689-7060

Brook Simpson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
613-219-0149

Robb Aishford
Press Secretary
Alberta Environment and Parks
780-641-9846

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
 
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RVA requests $4.1M for County-Edmonton footbridge
River Valley Alliance (RVA) wants to build a footbridge between Strathcona County and Northeast Edmonton. The bridge is expected to cost $24 million. $16 million be covered by the RVA, $4 million from Edmonton and $4 million from the County.

The new amenity would offer social benefits to around 225,000 residents in the County, Fort Saskatchewan, Sturgeon County, and Edmonton’s Ward 4. The route would offer a crossover option that follows the riverbank on both sides, from the Riverside Nature Trail on the Strathcona County side to the East End trails on the Edmonton side.

More at https://www.sherwoodparknews.com/news/local-news/rva-requests-4-1m-for-county-edmonton-footbridge

via River Valley News
 

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