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MLA, Mountain View County advocate for trail grant changes

West 22 Trail Society's Bagnall Park plans not eligble for funding under current criteria
mvt-jason-nixon
Jason Nixon, MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre. Submitted photo

MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House - Sundre MLA Jason Nixon has joined Mountain View County officials in urging Alberta Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen to consider changes to grant eligibility under a provincial trail grant program.

In a recent letter sent to the minister and obtained by the Albertan, MLA Nixon said changing the grant funding criteria would help support worthwhile projects, including a new partnership project between Mountain View County and West 22 Trail Society.

The county and the society recently entered into an agreement for the ongoing trail stewardship of the county-owned William J. Bagnall Wilderness Park (Bagnall Park) near Water Valley, on the county’s southern boundary.

“I’m writing to express my support for the request from Mountain View County regarding the eligibility criteria for the provincial trail grant program, particularly as it pertains to municipal land dispositions,” Nixon said. 

“Mountain View County has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing public recreational opportunities through its partnership with the West 22 Trail Society. 

“This collaboration exemplified the kind of community-driven, cost effective stewardship that aligns with our government’s priorities of empowering local decision making and maximizing the value of public lands for Albertans.”

The current ineligibility of applicants operating under municipal disposition, regardless of their non-profit status or public benefit, risks unintentionally penalizing municipalities that are stepping up to meet local recreation needs, he said.

“I believe there is merit in reviewing the criteria to ensure that municipalities and their non-profit partners are not excluded from accessing funding that support responsible trail development and maintenance,” he said.

Specifically Nixon is requesting Loewen consider amendments to the grant program guidelines to allow grant eligibility in cases where municipalities hold the disposition and are working in partnership with non-profit organizations.

Under the new agreement between the West 22 Society and the county, the society has expressed an interest in assisting with the maintenance and further development of Bagnall Park, specifically to encourage increased mountain biking and hiking opportunities on the lands.

The West 22 Society has presented a trail management plan and development plan to council outlined its plans.

Nixon’s letter to Loewen follows July 10 letter sent to Loewen by MVC regarding the provincial trail program grant eligibility and the current ineligibility of projects on municipal land dispositions.

“While we appreciate the intent to prioritize public and non-profit application, this blanket restriction has inadvertently excluded municipality working in partnership with non-profit societies to enhance public recreation assets,” reeve Angela Aalbers said in the letter.

“One example is our own initiative involving the William Bagnall Wilderness Park. Under the current rules, we are now disqualified from accessing funding that could greatly enhance this community-based initiative.”

The county is specifically urging Loewen to amend the grant program’s criteria to allow non-profit organizations and municipalities operating on disposition held and managed by municipal governments to be eligible for funding.

The West 22 Society’s plans for 2025 include installation of trail head and intersection signage in collaboration with the county, expanding the volunteer network and boosting community involvement in trail building and maintenance, refining and maintaining existing trail network, and identifying temporary creek crossings.

The 2025 work also includes improving trail conditions by widening trails to 50-70 cm tread width and clearing low branches to 2.3 metres for user clearance, and strengthening sections over wetlands, sensitive areas, and stream crossings.

At the recent county council meeting, council members received Nixon’s letter to Loewen as information.

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