Town continues Grey’s Park pathway deliberations

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore is actively considering the construction of a new pathway through the Grey’s Park wetland area.

Council discussed the project during the Jan. 21 meeting. Previously, a motion to conduct a feasibility study and a cost estimation was passed, Sept. 17, to explore the project.

“If we move forward with this, it must follow all environmental regulations, including approvals from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas before going ahead. Both desktop and on-site environmental studies would be needed to ensure protection of local wildlife and sensitive areas,” said Jamie Dugdale, director of infrastructure, operations, and development services.

The property currently under discussion for the pathway is currently owned by West Strathmore Developments and is to be transferred to the town as part of the West Creek Area Structure Plan development, tentatively in 2026 or 2027. 

Dugdale estimated that should the project eventually receive a green light, it will take approximately 18 months to go from start to finish.

Coun. Brent Wiley noted that accessible and affordable recreation sites are considered among the highest priorities described to him by residents, and low environmental impact projects such as pathways are generally well supported by the public.

“When we did a community survey and asked the citizens what recreation they prioritized the most, outdoor activities came, I think it was seven out of the Top 10 things that people wanted … I heard again and again how much residents appreciate our pathway systems,” said Wiley. “Six months of the year in Strathmore, you can go out and run into people on every different pathway. We have a very active town, and it is because of 20 years of our council putting into these pathways. It is a high priority for me to continue that legacy.”

He added it would be the envy of small cities and surrounding municipalities to be able to efficiently utilize local green spaces with pathways such as the one proposed. 

Wiley emphasized that such a project is also comparatively very affordable to the town, being budgeted in the realm of $210,000 between materials and labour, public consultation, environmental assessment, and other associated costs.

“We are not talking about something in the millions or even in the high hundreds of thousands here to put in, but it is something that all people in this town will use, and it is going to be awesome,” he said. “I really just see this as Phase 1 in eventually incorporating Kinsman and Grey’s Park as much as possible together.”

Coun. Claude Brown noted that based on the town’s budget, a $100,000 expense represents a one per cent tax increase and that this should be taken into account while considering the price of a new pathway.

Council voted to direct administration to return to a future committee of the whole meeting with various options for price points and materials for constructing the pathway.