Spanning approximately 15 kilometers, the LINK Pathway will weave through the scenic countryside between Lethbridge and Coaldale, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
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On June 13, 2023, elected officials from Coaldale Town Council, Lethbridge County, and the City of Lethbridge came together for a ground breaking ceremony to mark the official start of construction on Phase 1 of the LINK Pathway.
Spanning approximately 15 kilometers, the LINK Pathway will weave through the scenic countryside, showcasing the natural beauty of the area between Lethbridge and Coaldale. At the same time, it will provide cyclists and pedestrians with a safe and efficient means of travel between the two communities. Phase 1 of the project will see the construction of a 3.5 km section of paved pathway from the Saint Mary's River Irrigation District (SMRID) drainage canal across from 30th Street in Coaldale to an area just before Highway 512.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Town of Coaldale Mayor, Jack Van Rijn, presented a $100,000 cheque to members of the LINK Pathway Committee to underscore Coaldale's commitment to the project. "As a Council, we could not be more excited about the opportunities that the construction of this pathway will bring to the region, and we look forward to putting Lethbridge, Lethbridge County, Coaldale, and SMRID on the map for corning together to create a unique greenway that southern Albertans can enjoy for decades to come", said Mayor Van Rijn. "The LINK Pathway will not only provide users with safe access to an idyllic landscape, but also, a chance to learn about the region and local economy as they travel through some of the most productive agricultural land in the country. We firmly believe that travelling along this pathway will become a 'must do' for tourists in the region and a regular recreational activity for Lethbridge, Lethbridge County, and Coaldale residents alike."
"This project has been a dream shared by so many people for nearly a decade and its moving to see it finally get off the ground," said Henry Doeve, the President of the Link Pathway Association. "It's been a long road marked by many ups and downs, and so many people have played a role in moving this project ahead, from volunteers to donors to professional services. It's been an inspiring journey."
With construction of Phase 1 now underway, the LINK Pathway Committee will turn its attention to raising funds for the construction of Phase 2, which will see the pathway continue westward to an area of 43 Street South in Lethbridge. If fundraising and grant applications are successful, the group hopes to see construction of a highway underpass, three canal bridges, and the rest of the asphalt in the summer of 2024, with picnic areas, benches, trees, fences, and educational infrastructure being built in the summer of 2025 or beyond.
"It's important for people to know that this project wouldn't be moving ahead without the generosity of the hundreds of donors who have stepped forward to help fund it. There's lots of ways to give and to leave your name and your mark permanently on the landscape of southern Alberta. We encourage you to check out sponsorship options on the Link Pathway website," said Alvin Fritz, Vice-President of the LINK Pathway Committee.