LINK Regional Pathway Society hoping to create Lethbridge to Coaldale pedestrian pathway

LETHBRIDGE – The ability to safely ride your bike, jog or walk along a paved pedestrian pathway between Lethbridge and Coaldale came a small step closer to reality Monday afternoon. (Sept. 25)
 
The LINK Regional Pathway Society asked for and received support from Lethbridge City Council as they try and secure various forms of funding and in-kind support for construction.
 
Architect Alvin Fritz says the society has been working on a vision to connect Henderson Lake on the west side, with Birds of Prey to the east along the canal system owned by the St. Mary River Irrigation System District.
 
“The total cost is $4.4 million for this pathway. We’re hoping to get it there within three years, or at least have some substance to it. And we have raised $700,000 so far from various sources.”
 
The pathway will connect to Henderson Lake through the intersection of 10 Avenue South and South Parkside Drive from 43 Street. The trail will then move eastward near Vista Meadows subdivision enroute to Coaldale. The trail will be 15 kilometres in total.
 
But Fritz does acknowledge there are some issues to be worked out with CP Rail along 10 Avenue South.
 
“You’re now talking about a bike pathway and pedestrian crossing which has some idiosyncracies of its own. It’s not like a conventional intersection, and so all of that will have to be brokered…I’m sure CP Rail won’t want to stand between a pathway and not a pathway.”
 
A new pathway, he says, will also ensure people are safer. Numerous times he says he’s seen speeding vehicles trying to get to Coaldale faster along Hwy 512, narrowly avoiding cyclists.
 
“It’s not uncommon for me to notice that there’s bicyclers heading east along the 512, ” Fritz explains. “And quite often you’ll see these little carts that they pull behind with the kids, and like a little trailer and I cringe.”
 
The next step will be for the society to apply for $1 million grant through the Alberta Community Facility Enhancement Program. Deadline for the application is October 1, 2017.