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Connecting to other municipalities through our trails
This online discussion forum has been suspended pending the next draft of the Plan. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will not currently accept new comments or votes.
The possibilities are endless. Next stop: Sylvan Lake?
A key part of the River Valley & Tributaries Park Concept plan is connection through the trail system to other municipalities. What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of having a trail system that connects to other municipalities?
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This online discussion forum has been suspended pending the next draft of the Plan. You can still browse the site but the discussion area will not currently accept new comments or votes.
Comment 1 15 Mar 2010, 8:42 PM
I think there is huge value in partnering with neighbouring municipalities to extend trails. When concerning natural areas, it doesn't make sense that they would end at the urban boundary.
I would however have a concern with safety on the extended trails. I know currently there are bylaw officers working in the parks but I would wonder if there would be a need for some kind of presence on the trails.
Comment 1.1 16 Mar 2010, 11:55 AM
I think that Red Deer has such a fantastic park & trail system as it stands. It will be great to see it grow, and it makes sense to link neighbouring communities; but I echo the above posters concerns regarding safety.
I use the trails in Red Deer as often as possible for jogging, or walking my dog. I routinely run into questionable folks already as it is, and notice now that there are camp sites that have begun popping up in various spots near the trails. It would be good to have a bigger police presence on the trails that we currently have, and perhaps a camera surveillance system that is monitored should be considered for future expansion.
Comment 2 16 Mar 2010, 1:22 PM
A regional trail system will go a long way to link communities, natural areas and historic sites. It acts as an alternate form of transportation as well as for recreational use. In terms of safety, trails are much safer than walking or biking on highways.
Comment 3 7 May 2010, 11:57 AM
I have seen numerous communities develop linking trails - some covering 20 miles or more...
Bently has a paved trail out to Aspen Beach Provincial Park, on Gull Lake. - it seems to have regular usage all summer
If Red Deer linked with nearby communities, and kept the trails in sight of the highways - (at the far edge of the right-of-way)the trails would be easy to monitor and police from the roadways - (I believe use of the ROW's would need to be part of a "provincial" plan)
If there was a bike trail to Sylvan Lake, Penhold, and Blackfalds and Lacombe - I for one would be more open to biking to these outlying communities. Presently - the risk of traffic collisions keeps me in my vehicle - instead of biking...
Connecting bike trails would certainly be a tourism draw for cyclists - the potential is there - if planned well
Comment 3.1 8 Jun 2010, 1:14 PM
Early planning around the highway system is the crucial key when it comes to workable trails between Red Deer and its neighboring communities. The highways are great high-speed links between urban areas, BUT they are also deadly barriers to non-motorized traffic.
For example, it's impossible to cross the QE 2 safely without a vehicle. Only a few weeks ago a cyclist was killed trying to get across the highway at Gasoline Alley.
Underpasses and overpasses that accomodate pedestrians and cyclists are the obvious solution, but they are incredibly expensive unless they are incorporated into a Major Area Structure Plan. MASPs generally have a time frame measured in decades not years, and they are very difficult to change.
In the past, municipal officials never thought to plan for a non-motorized trail system. Our current officials think they are saving money when they refuse to invest in efficient trail systems that cross highways. Unfortunately it will take a huge political groundswell to change their minds at this late stage.
Comment 4 8 Jun 2010, 12:25 PM
I think these are great ideas -- especially trails linking to Sylvan and Penhold, or at least to the airport. Trails may help alleviate some of the traffic on these busy highways.
