Still image from a video showcasing the project. Photo: Alvin Reinhard Fritz Architect Inc.

By Justin Goulet

Link Pathway project chair hopes to start construction this fall

Aug 3, 2020 | 8:15 AM

COALDALE, AB – “Benefits of the Pathway are the health and safety of residents.”

That’s from Henry Doeve, Project Chair for the Link Pathway.

The project will result in a trail that will wind through Lethbridge County along the St. Mary Irrigation District canal, providing a connecting path for pedestrians and cyclists between Lethbridge and Coaldale – a safer alternative to riding or walking along the county highways.

Doeve told Lethbridge News Now that the plan is still to start construction this fall. Phase one of the project would run from Coaldale to Jail Road (Highway 512).

As for when residents of the region can expect the project to be fully completed, Doeve said he’s optimistic it will happen sooner than later.

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“Realistically, you know, our goal has always been 2023 for completion, so it’d be 2023-2024, in that range. So, we’re talking three to four years from now for the full pathway to be complete,” he told LNN.

On the bright side, Doeve explained that as portions of the pathway are completed, they will be open and accessible to the public.

“It starts to create that excitement, it starts to create the idea that these things are possible,” he said.

“We can go out there in a safe manner with our children, go for a little longer bike ride and you know, health and wellness has always been a big component of the project, as is interpretive storyboards along the way. So, those things we haven’t really strayed from at all.”

COST & COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

As far as the project cost is concerned, Doeve said it’s still estimated to be $3-to-$4-million.

“We have many offers for in-kind support [and] in-kind work, so the value would be in that range,” he told LNN, adding the cost could end up being lower.

Doeve said residential feedback thus far has been positive.

“One of the communities, or the residential communities we’ll be going through or alongside is Vista Meadows, so we have ongoing dialogue with residents of Vista Meadows, and we’ll have an open house in September inviting the residents of Vista Meadows and surrounding Vista Meadows to an open house just to show the latest with what we are planning and the progress of it,” he commented.

“As we get more and more buzz around this, we just ask for people’s patience as we work through because there is a lot of excitement around it. Be patient once we start construction and as sections are complete, you know, we welcome the public to be part of it.”

Doeve went on to thank everyone involved in the project, including the City of Lethbridge, Lethbridge County, the Town of Coaldale and the St. Mary’s River Irrigation District.

A video showcasing the Link Pathway, courtesy ‘Link Pathway’ on YouTube, can be viewed below.