Prepared by the Trail/Sidewalk Development
Committee
May 5, 2000
In the spring of 1999 it became evident that with the impending annexation of lands to the north and west of the Town, interest in the development of south east area and development of smaller subdivisions, that a long term comprehensive trail/sidewalk plan was required. The purpose of the plan would be to address issues of coordination and integration of existing and future trails and sidewalks to enhance, capitalize on the potential recreation opportunities in the community. and support non-vehicular transportation.
The committee consisted of the following seven members:
| Dayton Thesenvitz, Committee Chairman | Recreation Board |
| Bill Nielsen | Recreation Board |
| Elco Vandergrift | Recreation Board |
| Alvin Peck | Recreation Board Chairman, Exofficio |
| Laurie Coughlin | Community Member at Large |
| Bern Roe | Community Member at Large |
| John Connors | Community Member at Large |
| Administrative Support |
|
| Ron Hartley | Town of Lacombe Parks |
| Christina Lust | Recreation Community Coordinator |
At its June, 1999 meeting, the Lacombe and District
Recreation, Parks and Culture Board recommended to Town Council the development
of a comprehensive trail/sidewalk plan. Following
Council’s approval the Board established an ad hoc committee of four Board
Members who were responsible for developing the committee terms of reference.
The Terms of Reference were approved at the October Recreation Board meeting and
subsequently by Town Council.
In November, an
advertisement was placed in the local newspaper requesting application by
interested community members. By
early December all committee members were in place.
The committee was provided with the basic scope of the plan
to which development criteria was added to help guide the process. Based on the
criteria, committee members through field checks reviewed the existing system
and identified proposed routes. A
meeting with the senior administration was held early in the process to identify
any concerns.
Areas where proposed trails bordered or went through private property were identified and committee members made contact with the landowners to garnish support for the plan. Over a series of committee meetings, further field checks and discussions with private landowners, the trail system was gradually refined to the proposed network of trails. Analysis was also done to develop strategy for implementation, costing, trail specifications and a long range operating strategy.
On April 11, 2000, an
open house and public meeting was held for the public to provide comments and
input. Letters were sent to private
landowners as well as home owners residing adjacent to proposed designated
trails. Senior administration
also met to discuss the implications of the plan.
Based on community and administrative input, a revised plan was presented
to the Lacombe and District Recreation Parks and Culture Board for approval.
The Board endorsed the plan and forwarded it to Town Council for its
approval
| 4.1 | Set out specific objectives for trail, walkway and sidewalk
network |
| 4.2 | Inventory existing trails and sidewalks |
| 4.3 | Set out a detailed network plan including schedule of
construction and level of construction |
| 4.4 | Identify priorities, timings and magnitude of cost involved |
| 4.5 | Identify community involvement in the construction and
ongoing maintenance of the trails |
The existing trail system was reviewed in detail and an inventory of the existing trails was completed. (See Map 1 - Existing System). The review included:
The primary goal is to develop a long-term plan that identifies a main trail loop that encircles the Town, with ancillary loops from various sections/subdivisions of the Town that will provide for multipurpose recreation and non-vehicular transportation opportunities. The Trail/Sidewalk Plan will provide for linkage of other recreation facilities as well as provide recreation, educational, historical, natural history opportunities for the residents.
| 7.1 | A high standard trail be constructed that, over the long term, will encircle the Town and provide a “main loop” to which other secondary loops and linkages would be joined. |
| 7.2 | “Secondary loop” trails be designated to include new subdivisions, green spaces and destination areas. The type of trail construction will be determined by the type of potential use and resources available. |
| 7.3 |
The areas around the “lakes” be maintained, as much as possible, in their natural state and augmented with rest areas. Protection from erosion and movement through wet areas will be addressed to ensure the environmental integrity of the area. |
| 7.4 | The trail system will provide links to and/or access to other recreation and park facilities in the community. |
| 7.5 | Where feasible, off-street routing be available for bicycling. In areas where off-street routing cannot occur, then bicycle lanes on roadways be considered. |
| 7.6 | New subdivision developments are to be integrated into the overall trail network. Design and construction of shale/gravel or asphalt trails will be included as part of the subdivision plans and provide access or linkages to the main trail system. Laneways and sidewalks are to be considered as secondary alternatives. |
| 7.7 | Improve the coordination and integration of the existing trails and sidewalks so that, where there are gaps, the appropriate trail types will provide the necessary linkages. |
| 7.8 | Promotional materials be developed to assist development of community awareness and promotion of the trails available. Material would include existing and proposed trails, and trail etiquette. |
| 7.9 | A system of signage be developed that would include directional signs and points of interest. Signage would direct users to the trails, destination areas and major recreation facilities. |
| 7.10 | Signage will be provided to recognize historically significant landmarks in the community and the natural history (flora and fauna) of the area. |
| 7.11 | Promotion of the educational value of the historical landmarks and natural history of the area through the development of an interpretive program with appropriate signage. |
| 7.12 | Opportunities will be investigated to provide access to potential recreation areas outside of the Town limits (i.e. the Trans Canada Trail, Provincial and Federal Research Stations). |
| 7.13 | Community involvement in the construction and long-term use and maintenance of the trails will be identified. |
| 7.14 | Key locations where users can access the trail system will be designated as trail heads. In some areas facilities already exist that can be incorporated into a trail head location. Amenities at the trail heads will be determined by demand of the area, and resources available. These amenities may include signage, benches, parking, picnic areas, garbage disposal and washrooms. |
| 7.15 | Access to the trails will be for pedestrian and non-motorized transportation. Where it is deemed necessary, strategically place bollards or posts will be used to prevent motorized vehicle access. V-gates or styles will be used to allow pedestrian and/or cycling traffic access only, and restrict vehicular access. Access concerns may be addressed on a need basis. One of the roles of the Trails Committee will be to educate the public and create a climate that values the trails and the intended use of the trail. |
| 7.16 | Where practical, privacy factors will be considered in the design of the trails to buffer trail use from private residences. |
| 7.17 | In cases where sections of the designated trail cross private land, the Town will enter into an agreement with the landowner to address liability concerns. |
| 7.18 | Standards be established to address the various safety concerns such as: trail entry to highways and roadways, methods of reducing speed of cyclists meeting highways and roadways, policing areas for the protection of adjacent landowners and users of the trails. |
| 8.1 | A number informal trails already existed through private properties. The committee wished to formalize the informal trails and include them in the overall plan. |
| 8.2 | It is necessary to garner the support of the landowners in order to accomplish the goal of encircling the Town. The committee identified all the potential landowners who might be impacted and made personal contacts with all but a few. In some cases, letters were written to owners who lived outside of the area. |
| 8.3 | Landowners were generally very supportive of the project. The primary concern was legal liability. Inclusion of a number of trail sections on private property is contingent on successfully addressing the liability issue. Investigation has been initiated by the Town administration. |
Each section of trail will be assigned a usage designation. Potential usage will determine the type of trail construction.
|
Trail
Type |
Type of
Use |
Specifications |
|
Natural paths |
- Walking/hiking - Jogging/running - Cross country skiing (where terrain allows) |
- brushing and clearing - 1.8 m (6’) wide (width & route adjusted to protect wooded areas) |
|
Grass |
- Walking/hiking - Jogging/running - Cross country skiing (where terrain allows) |
- mowed pathways in undeveloped grasslands/fields - minimum 1.8 m (6’) wide |
|
Shale/Gravel |
- Walking/hiking - Jogging/running - Cycling - Cross country skiing (where terrain allows) |
- 15 cm (6”) granular compacted base - 1.8 m or 2.5 m.(6 or 8 ft) width - 2% crown - shrubs/vegetation pruned 2 ft from edge of trail |
|
Asphalt |
- Walking/hiking - Jogging/running - Cycling - Inline skating/ Skateboarding - Cross country skiing (designated sections) |
- 15 cm (6”) granular compacted base - 5 cm (2”) asphalt - 2.5 or 3 m depending on the anticipated traffic for a given trail section - 2% crown - .6 m (2 ft) mowed grass on each side |
|
Sidewalk |
- Walking/hiking - Jogging/fitness |
-
minimum 1.2 m (4 ft) -
Sidewalks designated as part of trail system recommend 1.5
– 1.8 m (5 – 6 ft) in width |
|
Roadways |
- Cycling |
- Existing road to be used as connector to paved multipurpose trail |
| 9.1 | The standard for the vertical slope of the trials would be a 1:12 ratio (8%). Areas that have a steeper slope consideration would be given to putting in stairs. |
| 9.2 | For trails which may be built in the side of a hill, the standard for slope from top to bottom would be 10 cm. (4 inches). In most cases trails will be built at the top or crest of the hill to avoid cutting into the side of hills. |
| 9.3 | It is anticipated that in some areas it will be required to provide up to .45 m or 18” of compacted granular base. |
| 9.4 | The standard trail width for asphalt trails will be 2.5 metres. However, in some areas where it is anticipated that there will be the potential for high traffic, consideration will be given to constructing a 3 metre trial. |
| 9.5 | The cost of converting a gravel trail to an asphalt trail is more cost effective than a shale to asphalt trail. Therefore, trails initially designated as gravel/shale trails that are slated for future asphalt surfacing will be consider for gravel surfacing in the original construction stage. |
| 9.6 | Alternative surface materials may also be considered if there are advantages relative to construction and maintenance costs. |
| 10.1 | Throughout the trail system
various enhancements may be considered to address specific purposes.
The purposes for consideration of additional improvement may include the
following
|
| 10.2 | The types of enhancement that may be considered are:
|
| 10.3 | On the multiuse trails the trail etiquette developed will need to
address the potentials for conflicting uses (i.e. cycling and walking users) |
| 11.1 | consistent signage will be
developed to provide the following markings:
|
| 11.2 | Work will be undertaken with the Maski-Pitoon Historical Society to identify locations of historical value and provide written commentary of the historical significance. |
| 11.3 | Signage may also provide information of the significant natural history representing the flora and fauna of the area with the development of an interpretive system. There are a number of people in the community with biology backgrounds that can be drawn upon as a resource including the students and staff of the biology department at Canadian University College. |
| 12.1 | The magnitude of this project is such that it would be implemented over the next 10 years. The implementation will be dependant on the growth of the community and resources available. The intent of the committee it to propose a funding strategy that would be a minimal burden to the taxpayer. |
| 12.2 | The time frame for each of the stages would be as
follows:
|
| 12.3 | The cost of construction of each section of the trail will depend on a number of factors. If trail sections can be incorporated into other major projects, the economy of scale will assist in making the cost lower. If sections are done independent of other projects the full projected cost is likely to be realized. |
| 12.4 | In areas where mowing and brushing of trails is required, volunteer labour can be considered as an option. By establishing the various routes and priorities, trail sections can be developed as internal Town equipment and personnel are available. Although there is still a cost, funds would be allocated through operating budgets and would not necessarily be specified as trail costs. |
| 12.5 | Based on 1999 prices the cost of construction per
kilometer is a follows:
Above
costs include preparation costs. Note:
To factor in areas which may require more extensive base work as well as
furnishing such as benches, garbage receptacles, signage and design an average
price for an asphalt trail 3 metres wide would be $75 – $78 per running metre.
|
12.6
Trail Lengths in
Kilometers
|
|
||||||||
|
Trail
Type |
Existing |
New |
Upgrade |
New |
Upgrade |
New |
Upgrade |
Final
Totals |
|
Natural |
3.5 |
7.68 |
|
8.14 |
|
|
3.548 “improve
Elizabeth Lake |
15.82 |
|
Grass |
0.40 |
9.155 |
|
7.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shale/Gravel |
|
0.194 (Arboretum) |
|
|
|
|
1.085 (from
grass & natural) |
1.279 |
|
Sidewalk (designated – no cost to trails) |
9.30 |
1.96 |
|
0.74 |
|
|
|
|
|
Asphalt
(2.5m) |
3.79 |
0.16 |
0.87 (from
existing grass & natural) |
|
|
7.60 |
|
24.485 |
|
Laneways |
|
1.185 |
|
|
|
|
|
1.185 |
|
Roadway |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
a) Trail Links |
1.10 |
1.050 |
|
|
|
|
|
1.050 |
|
b) Federal Agricultural Station |
|
4.855 |
|
|
|
|
|
4.865 |
|
c) bicycle routes (designation of existing roads) |
|
|
|
|
|
4.76 |
|
4.75 |
|
TOTALS |
18.09 |
26.249 |
|
16.08 |
|
12.36 |
|
54.69 |
12.7 Estimated Staging Costs
STAGE 1 (Reference Map #2)
|
Trail
type |
Distance |
Projected
Cost |
Natural Trails
|
0.380 km |
Volunteer Labour |
|
Grass Trails
|
|
|
|
Asphalt |
|
|
|
1.020 km |
$40,000 |
|
|
$10,000 |
|
0.17 k m |
$13,000 |
|
0.870 km |
$58,200 |
|
||
|
||
|
0.160 km |
|
|
Other |
|
$52,800 |
|
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST |
|
$182,800 |
Note:
$40,000 will permit complete reconstruction of the existing 1 km of
asphalt trail on the south side of Cranna Lake. Determine actual work required by engineering assessment.
Consider Trailhead at entrance to Michener Park or Les Walker Park
but not both.
STAGE 2 (Reference Map #3)
|
Trail
type |
Distance |
Projected
Cost |
|
Natural Trails |
8. 14 km |
Volunteer Labour (1) |
|
Grass Trails Rosedale easement 0.200 km a)
Wetland grass
5.435 km - Federal Agriculture Land - Iron Wolf (designate |
7.200 km |
$20,000 $50,000 $ 2,000 (2) |
Sidewalk |
0.740 km |
|
|
Roadway links |
0.940 km |
|
|
Other a) V-gates @$500 x 10 = $5,000 b) Trail and safety signage $5,000 |
|
$10,000 |
|
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST |
|
$82,000 |
Note:
Volunteer labour provides sweat equity that can be used for matching
portions for grants.
Cost of clearing/mowing the grass in the wetland areas (mostly along Wolf Creek) depends on the compaction of earth. If compacted sufficiently, we may be able to use power mowers. If not, we may have to cut by hand using volunteer labour. A strategy to improve compaction may be need to be developed.
STAGE 3 (Reference Map #4)
|
Trail
type |
Distance |
Projected
Cost |
|
Natural Trails |
4.760 km |
$100,000 |
|
Upgrade shale to gravel |
1.085
km |
$74,000 |
|
Roadway designated as bicycle routes |
4.760 km |
$25,000 |
|
Asphalt trail (1) |
23.455 km |
$1,830,000 |
|
Other Parking
lots, trail heads, viewpoints ($25,000) |
|
$50,000 |
|
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST |
|
$2,069,000 |
Note:
The total length of 23.455 kilometres of asphalt trails assumes all are
multipurpose, including bicycles. There is an alternative to construct 5.77 km as bicycle lanes
only, during road/highway reconstruction. However,
a multipurpose stand alone trail is still the strongly preferred option.
Because of the unknown regarding foundation depth and compaction
requirements, a worst-case cost figure of $78,000 has been used.
| 12.8 | In order to make significant progress on trail development, an annual allocation of $75,000 would need to be dedicated to trail development by the Town. Additional funding would be sought from grants, fundraising and donations. |
| 12.9 | Summary of Costs
$2,333,800 ($2.35 M) |
| Annual budget $235,000 |
| 13.1 | At the present time the Town Parks Department maintains all the paved trails. In the summer the grass along the trails is mowed and vegetation pruned. In the winter the paved trails are swept and plowed. |
| 13.2 | With the extent of eventual paved trails proposed a priority system of trails that would be kept open during the winter may be necessary. Priority would be determined by the type and amount of use. In some cases trails will be designated cross-country trails and rely on volunteers to groom them. |
| 13.3 |
Some of the proposed new trails are outside of the Town boundaries or are on private land. In a number of cases these areas would be left in a natural state and not groomed. Areas requiring grooming would be contingent on volunteer support through the establishment of a volunteer organization. This would be a role of a volunteer organization to maintain these trails. |
| 14.1 |
Funding and development of the trail system will be a combination of
annual allocations from the Town of Lacombe, internal operating resources of the
Town, volunteer labour, corporate donations, user group donations and various
grant and foundation programs. |
| 14.2 | The Town’s five year capital plan has allocated funds for trail development. These funds will be start up funds to apply to additional funding from other sources. |
| 14.3 | Possible grant programs
include the following:
|
| 14.4 | A number of the grants and foundation funding sources are only available to non-profit organizations. In order to maximize the potential funding sources it will be advantageous to establish a non-profit organization that would be a registered society and in a position to seek out funding opportunities to augment tax based resources. |
| 14.5 | Specific user groups will be approached for donations or contributions including clubs, schools, community agencies. |
| 14.6 | Corporate Sponsorship will be solicited. This would be a role that the Trail Committee, in conjunction with the Recreation Board, would establish a strategy for involving the corporate and business support. |
| 14.7 | Federal and Provincial Employment Programs employment programs may be sought to provide additional labour for specific trail projects during the spring and summer months. |
| 15.1 | With the expansion of the trail system and more people making use of the trails it creates a situation whereby the Town is put in greater risk of liability. Throughout the implementation of the Trail Plan careful consideration will need to be given ensuring potential safety concerns are addressed and the amenities and equipment minimize these potentials. |
| 15.2 | Consultation with the local Police Service in various areas may be required to mitigate potential for vandalism and safety concerns. |
| 15.3 | The type of signage and location will need to be assessed to discourage vandalism. |
The implementation of the plan will be on the basis of four stages of development. Within each stage, development priorities have been identified in the corresponding appendices.
STAGE 1:
Appendix “A”
Map 2
Projects that with limited
resources can be readily implemented to improve and expand the existing system.
STAGE 2:
Appendix “B”
Map 3
Construction of
trails/sidewalks that require a moderate level of funding or resources to
improve the existing system.
STAGE 3:
Appendix “C”
Map 4
Trails to be developed in the future as resources become available and development occurs.
The following is a list of general priorities for the development of the trails. Details of the development for each stage is contained in Appendix “A”, “B” and “C” and the enclosed maps.
|
|
STAGE/
MAP |
TRAIL
REF # |
DEVELOPMENT |
COMMENTS |
|
17.1 |
STAGE
1, MAP 2 |
1, 3, 4, 6 |
Complete/upgrade
(in town) existing trails |
|
|
17.2 |
STAGE 1, |
|
Designate
on maps and install signs for all trails presently existing but
undesignated |
e.g.
East side of Barnett Lake, Michener Park/Les Walker Park |
|
17.3 |
STAGE
1, MAP 2 |
9,
10, 11, 14, 15 |
Implement
minimum cost steps to open up those routes easily accessible |
with
owner permission |
|
17.4 |
STAGE
1, MAP 2 |
5,
7, 8,12, 13 |
When
all Stage 1 Trails are open for use, place “Trailhead sign/maps”: |
|
|
17.5 |
STAGE
1, MAP 2 |
17, 20, 18, 19 |
Begin
process of enhancing the trail system |
|
|
17.6 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
N1a,
1b |
Complete
Cranna Lake trails and Trailhead as soon as possible |
|
|
17.7 |
STAGE
2, MAP 3 |
1
(Mud Lake ER) |
Complete
Elizabeth Lake trail loop in natural state, including access points |
|
|
STAGE
2, MAP 3 |
2,
3 |
|||
|
17.8 |
STAGE
1, MAP 2 |
16 |
Complete
“College Heights Loop” first as a walking trail. |
After
grass routes and road routes (existing) have been designated with
permission, then: |
|
STAGE
2, MAP 3 |
4 |
|||
|
17.9 |
STAGE
2, MAP 3 |
7,
8 |
Complete
Henners Pond Loop” (natural trail) & link to Barnett Lake |
|
|
17.10 |
STAGE
2, MAP 3 |
12,
13, 14, 15 |
Complete
“South Town Perimeter” trail section, first stage as a walking trail |
|
|
17.11 |
STAGE
2, MAP 3 |
12,
13, 14, 15 |
Complete
Wolf Creek Trail, first as a grass walking trail & cross-country ski
trail |
|
|
17.12 |
STAGE
2, MAP 3 |
5,
6 |
Welp
Creek Wetland Trail, first stage (natural) |
|
|
17.13 |
STAGE
2, MAP 3 |
16,
17 |
North
Lakes Loop (natural brushed trails around Barnett Lake and Spur Loop
(natural brushed trails around Barnett Lake and Spur Loop in north east) |
NOTE:
The difficulty posed by the shoreline and road clearance must be
assessed in the summer to determine if a trail on the west side of Barnett
Lake is feasible. |
|
STAGE 3, MAP 4 |
N13 |
All remaining items are Stage 3 development, primarily aimed at upgrading trails to either asphalt or shale/gravel multipurpose trails. Priority/stages of completion may vary significantly from what is show here, depending on the following factors:
|
|
STAGE/MAP |
TRAIL
REF # |
DEVELOPMENT |
COMMENTS |
|
17.14 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
2,
3, 4, 5 |
Elizabeth
Lake Loop upgrade |
|
|
17.15 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
22 |
Michener
Park trail upgrade |
|
|
17.16 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
25,
24 |
South
Town perimeter Trail upgrade |
|
|
17.17 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
25,
26, 27, 28 |
Wolf
Creek Trail upgrade |
|
|
17.18 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
6,
7, 8, 10, 11 |
College
Heights Multipurpose Loop |
|
|
17.19 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
9,
9a, 19 |
North
Lakes Loop – enhancements and Trailhead |
|
|
17.20 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
12 |
North
58th St. Bicycle trail |
scenic
route along west side of Barnett Lake |
|
17.21 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
23, 29 |
Whelp
Creek Wetland trail upgrade |
|
|
|
STAGE/MAP |
TRAIL
REF # |
DEVELOPMENT |
COMMENTS |
|
17.22 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
16,
21 |
Hwy
2A Multipurpose/Bicycle route |
|
Note: This is
a very desirable high speed bicycle route running between extreme north/south
end of town, facilitating link to all parts of town.
It is hoped that the town will facilitate construction of a bicycle lane
as part of the Hwy 2A upgrade.
However, we should also consider the following:
The south section (between C & E Trail crossing and the 46 Ave.
crossing) would be a good walking route. Consider
building this portion off the highway, probably on the old railway right
of way.
North of Woodland Drive intersection, consider multipurpose
(bicycle/walking etc) trail on west side, along the “Highway Street” service
lane.
|
|
STAGE/MAP |
TRAIL
REF # |
DEVELOPMENT |
COMMENTS |
|
17.22 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
14,
15 |
North
West Recreation Park Trails |
|
|
17.23 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
17,
17a, 20 |
Elizabeth
Lake – (East side) Escarpment Trails |
|
|
17.24 |
STAGE
3, MAP 4 |
18 |
Cranna
Lake – West Trailhead |
|
NOTE: All opportunities for Escarpment Trails, viewpoints, links to shoreline trails, and trail head will be established as part of development planning.
| 18.1 |
That the Planning Goal and Trail, Walkway and Sidewalk Objectives and maps be approved as the guiding principles in the development of the trail system. |
| 18.2 |
That a Trails Standing Committee of the Lacombe and District Recreation Parks and Culture Board be established. That this committee would be an initial stage to the formation of a community based organization that would provide input to the Recreation Board and Council in the ongoing development and maintenance of and fundraising for the trails. Appendix “D” outlines the terms of reference for this committee. |
| 18.3 | To ensure consideration of the integration of the trail system into new subdivisions, it is important that the Recreation Board be included in the planning stages. A standard of practice should include the Recreation Board’s review of subdivision proposal prior to final approval. |
Appendices
|
Maps
|