Ground is broken for the start of phase one construction of the LINK Pathway, June 13, 2023 (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

First phase of LINK Pathway construction breaks ground

Jun 13, 2023 | 1:35 PM

COALDALE, AB – A groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of phase one of the construction of the LINK Pathway was held on June 13, 2023.

Phase one of the walking and cycling trail includes a 3.5 kilometre section from the St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID) drainage canal across from 30 Street in Coaldale to an area just before Highway 512, with a turnaround section before the highway. Paving on phase one of the pathway is set to be finished by winter, 2023.

Henry Doeve, president of the LINK Pathway Committee said, “This project has been a dream shared by so many people for nearly a decade and it’s moving to see it finally get off the ground. It’s been a long road marked by many ups and downs, and so many people have played a role in moving this project ahead, from volunteers to donors to professional services. It’s been an inspiring journey.”

During the ceremony, the Town of Coaldale presented members of the LINK Pathway committee with a $100,000 cheque, which showcased the town’s commitment to seeing the pathway built.

Town of Coaldale presents the LINK Pathway Committee with a $100,000 cheque, June 13, 2023 (Photo: LNN)

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Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn explained, “The LINK Pathway will not only provide users with safe access to an idyllic landscape, but also a chance to learn about the region and local economy as they travel through some of the most productive agricultural land in the country.”

Henry Doeve said it was part of a 12-year process from idea to breaking ground on the project, and there were many discussions with local governments, businesses and residents along the way.

He added, “It’s just a community collaboration, a community consultation, ensuring that residents along the alignment were comfortable with the project, and hearing their concerns. And then on the end, the time gave us the opportunity to find a route through provincial and federal land, so we’re very happy with the alignment that we have.”

With the ground broken and construction underway on phase one, the LINK Pathway Committee is now looking at raising funds for construction of phase two, which would see construction continue westward to an area of 43 Street in Lethbridge.

Sign showing the phases of the LINK Pathway construction, June 13, 2023 (Photo: LNN)

In a news release, the Town of Coaldale said if they can get fundraising, and grant applications are accepted, they hope to see construction of a highway underpass, three canal bridges, and the rest of the asphalt in the summer of 2024.

Jack Van Rijn said, “We firmly believe that traveling along this pathway will become a ‘must do’ for tourists in the region, and a regular recreational activity for Lethbridge, Lethbridge County, and Coaldale residents alike.”

The Town added that they are looking at picnic areas, benches, fences, trees and educational infrastructure being built along the pathway in the summer of 2025, or beyond.

READ MORE : Phase two of LINK Pathway project approved

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