Work continues on trail expansion by Trout Pond

By Trevor Busch
Taber Times
tbusch@tabertimes.com

The Town of Taber’s walking trail expansion continues to take shape with the approval of a new leg to be constructed between the Trout Pond and Highway 864.

The West Trail Extension Project Committee met on April 10 and identified two main priorities for 2018, the installation of pipeline to connect the Trout Pond to the Taber Irrigation District by May 30, and the addition of a paved pathway. Council has allocated $375,000 in the 2018 capital budget for the development.

Coun. Garth Bekkering inquired about the estimated cost of the development and if administration has a preliminary timeline in place for completion.

“We have looked at the cost, it’s approximately $142,000 — I think that’s what the quote came in at — just to do the asphalt and the prep work,” said recreation director Aline Holmen at council’s April 23 regular meeting. “As far as a timeframe, I really don’t think we do at this point, just because we have a lot of work that needs be done to get to that point. Once we start working with it and working through the little steps we’ll probably have a better idea.”

CAO Cory Armfelt cautioned that Holmen’s figure only represents a portion of total project cost.

“That $142,000 is to Highway 864, not the other side.”

Before the work can go forward the town needs to complete crossing agreements, right of way approvals, approvals for highway crossing, associated requirements and surveying.

Coordination with the proposed extension of 56th Avenue to Highway 864 is also required, including acquiring right of way and detailed designs for infrastructure. The design for 56th Avenue has been budgeted for 2018, with a potential build to commence in 2019.

Following discussion, council voted unanimously to approve the request from the West Trail Extension Project Committee to proceed with the development of the paved pathway from the Trout Pond area to town, utilizing funds allocated in the 2018 capital budget.

Mayor Andrew Prokop was absent from the meeting.