2020 RRTS Year in Review
Adapting to COVID
All things about the IHT are very complicated
We put out an RFP for Strategic Planning
History of Iron Horse Trail in March on the Elk Point Historical Site https://elkpointhistory.ca/2019-tucker-lake-crane-lake
COVID Restrictions in March; we were told no cleaning washrooms and we had to put up use at your own risk signs.
We selected the Outer Spatial planning and got GPS data from previous work with our municipalities from MuniSite
We had to Upgrade the Munisite data numerous times.
In spring the Middle Creek culvert washed out two times. Great action by the County of St Paul public works in closing off the danger zone and repairing the damage.
Alberta government patrols on IHT checking documentation in spring and summer and issued some tickets.
The spring saw the beginning of NE Municorr bylaw and policy review which codified many decisions made over the years.
RRTS selected RC Strategies to do the 10 year strategic plan.
RC Strategies went on 2 trail visits, with RRTS providing information to them and Mcelhanney their engineering partner.
RC Strategies engagement sessions were held with 10 municipalities and RRTS as well as the general public and they used an internet forum for discussion as well.
We had funding from TCT for the Heinsburg to Wasketneau part of the trail for the strategic planning but we had to find funding for Abilene to Cold Lake trail completion.
Completion of BV water pipeline happened over the summer; there were complications around who is in charge and who dealt with trail input. This was a 100-million-dollar project with many different players.
Complications arose around new Fort Kent and Ardmore fire hall construction. Land had been purchased from NE Municorr by the MD of Bonnyville. They took over from their contractors and finished the project.
Danny’s signage project started as we inventoried all the signs that had deteriorated over the 20 years since we started work on parts of the trail. We also determined which were ours to replace and which were the responsibility of the municipalities under our previous agreements.
New Bylaw revisions were sent to all municipalities as part of initial consultations on the revisions we need.
Positive and negative comments on Facebook pages were addressed.
Parking lot paving at BRT was tendered.
Small TCT projects began to be funded.
Paving in Glendon was discussed shortly before it was tendered by the MD of Bonnyville.
Landowner discussions: William Trenchuk in SL Levi Labant in SP
Discussions with ASA on tracked vehicles. NE Municorr decides all tracked vehicles should be allowed in winter.
Bear crossing signs are installed in Glendon
We upgraded leases with County of St Paul left over from early discussions before NE Municorr was on site.
GPS completed of snowmobile trails in the region for a new effort by the ASA.
We ordered and distributed logoed stuff as part of a trail steward project
We supported and organized Sheila Thompson’s work with Alberta Archives detailing early efforts on the IHT.
We actively supported a two day tour with AMA Travel Writer
Volunteers participated in a one day photo shoot on the trail from Cold Lake to Smoky Lake with Strong Coffee – creating social media, blog and eNewsletter content
Final inspections were completed Bellis to RR130 water line reclamation
We worked with the Town of Smoky Lake to establish new access within the Town of Smoky Lake from the trail to west side gas and food services
We made a formal presentation to Town of Bonnyville for continued maintenance funding.
