The Land O' Lakes Drive Pedestrian Crossing in Coaldale is nearly complete, and its mayor says it is coming in under budget. (Image Credit: Jack Van Rijn)

By David Opinko

Coaldale pedestrian crossing to finish $240K under budget

Jan 14, 2026 | 1:33 PM

The Town of Coaldale is set to complete a pedestrian safety project for less than what had been budgeted.

Mayor Jack Van Rijn writes in a Facebook post that the Land O’ Lakes Drive Pedestrian Crossing will formally be closed out in 2026, having recently wrapped up the installation of new pathway lighting.

It had a budget of $1.45 million, but its final cost is estimated to be $1.206 million, or nearly $240,000 under.

The Town received a $544,600 provincial grant for the project.

Van Rijn says the crossing will deliver a safe, well-lit, and fully-accessible way for walkers and cyclists to cross the CPKC railroad tracks.

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It features a three-metre-wide paved pathway along 26 Street, upgraded crossings, safety fencing along the CPKC right-of-way, and coordinated rail and signal improvements.

“With the conclusion of the pathway lighting, there are no outstanding construction items, aside from typical post-construction requirements,” says Van Rijn. “These include minor landscaping touch-ups scheduled for the spring and standard warranty items, which will be monitored as part of normal close-out procedures.”

This is considered an important project for the community, as the majority of Coaldale’s population lives south of the train tracks, but major new amenities like Coaldale Prairie Winds Secondary School and the Shift Community Recreation Centre are on the north side. The Crossing will allow more people to get safely to and from these facilities.

Van Rijn says town officials will be monitoring the crossing to address any deficiencies and to ensure it remains a safe, reliable, and successful connection for the community.