Staff reporter
Fitness and outdoor enthusiasts in Lacombe County will soon have another venue to get out and active following a recent announcement of funding for a pedestrian bridge that will cross the Blindman River near Bentley and connect with the Trans Canada Trail throughout central Alberta.
Intended to eventually stretch from Penhold to Morningside, funding for both the trail and bridge was provided by the federal government’s Economic Action Plan to the tune of $50,000 and will enhance previous financial commitments in the amount of $100,000 from Alberta Trailnet, $51,040 from the Trans Canada Trail and $50,000 worth of donated building material from Lacombe County to construct the bridge.
Further, Canadian military engineers have also committed to donating approximately $50,000 of their time and expertise by installing the bridge’s decking and handrails.
“This bridge is an important link in the development of a regional trail system for central Alberta,” said Reeve Terry Engen. “When complete, the Trans Canada Trail will link cities and towns in central Alberta with a system or rural trails through Lacombe County, Red Deer County and Ponoka County.”
Administered under the auspicious of the National Trails Coalition, the project is one of 500 across Canada that will also see the creation of employment opportunities.
“As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are not only boosting the local economy by creating jobs and enhancing trails for outdoor enthusiasts, we are investing in practical and enduring infrastructure,” added Blaine Calkins, member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin.
Work on the bridge is expected to commence this winter with the bridge’s decking to be installed in the spring.