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Trans Canada Trail in
Central Alberta
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Urban Trail Systems
in Central Alberta (updated)
Several communities in Central Alberta have developed trail systems and
more are being planned. Many will be part of or linked to the Trans
Canada Trail.
The largest and best known trail system is in the City of Red Deer,
much of which is in Waskasoo Park.
Citizens of the city have ranked the trail system as one of the most
cherished amenities of the community. A Trans Canada Trail pavilion is
located near Bower Ponds.
(link to
Red Deer trails map)
Other extensive trail networks have been developed in Innisfail, Lacombe, Ponoka,
Sylvan Lake and
Wetaskiwin. Others are currently being developed in Penhold and Blackfalds.
Ponoka recently completed a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge across the
Battle River.
Red Deer and Red Deer County are in the planning stages of extending
Waskasoo Park into the County along rivers, tributaries and possibly
abandoned railway lines. |
 Mission Statement:
"To foster & provide opportunities for
promotion,
designation and
development of a trail network."
Regional Trails Network
The concept of
a regional trails network in Central Alberta can be traced back to
at least 1987 with the completion of Waskasoo Park in Red
Deer. Other communities also developed municipal recreational trail
systems soon afterwards, including Innisfail, Lacombe and Sylvan Lake
with several other communities at that time planning trails for the
future. There was also a rural trail built linking Bentley with Gull
Lake along Highway 12.
Although a series
of trails in Red Deer were registered as Trans Canada Trail a few
years earlier, the pavilion at Bower Ponds was officially dedicated
in 2005. Other communities having TCT designation include
Innisfail, Lacombe and Ponoka.
In January 1999, the Central Alberta Regional Trails Society (CARTS)
was born to encourage the development of trails within urban
communities and create rural linkages between communities.
(see History)
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