The current Six Mile Coulee pathway. (City of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Funding cancelled for Six Mile Coulee pathway project, city will consult further on future use

Jun 15, 2020 | 4:26 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

Those were the words of Lethbridge City Councillor Blaine Hyggen after Monday’s unanimous vote to rescind the approval for the Pathway 24 (Six Mile Coulee) project from the 2018-2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

The city was planning to spend $1.75-million on the construction of a more casual walking path in the coulee with easier entrances to some of the current paths.

In recent weeks, however, a variety of groups that frequently use the area have spoken out against the project.

“Leaving it status quo is what they’ve always enjoyed and it’s been a great pathway for the use of many. Going forward, I think that’s the way it should continue,” says Hyggen.

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Now, the municipality will go back to the drawing board and consult the community once again, but this time, it will not necessarily be about constructing another trail.

The city manager will consult with local groups to discuss a strategy around future uses of the river valley.

The motion was partially amended to say that this strategy will include identifying, signing, mapping, and maintaining natural trails and both historical and archeological resources.

“These are the user groups that use these trails and I think that’s important. Not just for Pathway 24 – and Pathway 24 is now the name – but for multiple other pathways to get the community engagement in there.”

A plan is expected to come back to council before the end of October this year.

The $1.75-million that had been allocated to this project will go back into the CIP fund for future consideration.

Separate from the $1.75-million, approximately $135,000 has already been spent on consultation work.