Minister of Parks and Environment says no one in his office approved the request for proposals
Michelle Bellefontaine · CBC News · Posted: May 18, 2021 12:02 PM MT | Last Updated: May 18
Parks across Alberta are seeing an influx of users, leaving more garbage and concerns about trespassing. (Wallis Snowdon/CBC)
The Alberta government on Tuesday abruptly cancelled a request for proposals seeking a contractor to provide long-range drones to help enforce camping on public lands this summer.
On Friday, the RFP suggested that Alberta Environment and Parks planned to use drones to take photos and video of "designated areas" of public lands over four weekends this summer and fall.
"ISR (Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance) collection will take place within designated areas in Alberta between July 1–4, 2021, July 31- August 3, 2021, September 4-7, 2021 and October 9-12, 2021 ... to include detection of campfires, off-highway vehicles operating in restricted areas, gatherings of ten (10) or more individuals, and officer safety support," the bid document stated.
Jessica Smith · Journalist · Posted: a day ago | Updated: 20 hours ago | 11 Min ReadAnimosity on the Coal Town Train in Cape Breton,
DOMINION — A local trail is causing a rift between some residents of Dominion and the all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts who use it.
The Coal Town Trail, which is roughly 13 kilometres long and stretches from Gardiner Mines through Dominion and Glace Bay to Tower Road, is a former rail line that has been repurposed to be a multi-use trail.
It was originally owned by the federal government but is now managed by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Summerland is situated between Conkle, Cartwright and Giant’s Head mountains, all offering unique and exceptional recreation opportunities for residents and visitors.
Other key locations for trails in the district include areas along the lakeshore, Garnet Valley and regional connections to networks such as the Trans Canada Trail (the Great Trail), and the Fur Brigade Trail.
Following extensive community engagement, in 2019 the District released the Summerland’s Trails Master plan (summerland.ca/parks-recreation/trails-cycling-and-sidewalks-master-plans), a document that provides a framework to ensure that current and future trails meet the needs of the community and that they are safe, well-maintained, adequately signed, and have a minimal impact on the natural environment.
The trail network in our community provides a variety of experiences, from paved lakeside pathways to rugged mountain hiking trails and almost 23 kilometres of trails are publicly-owned.
Add to this distance trails within the district that are owned by others (approximately 43.5 kilometres) walkers, hikers, dog walkers, equestrians, mountain bikers and other trail users have more than 66 kilometres to explore.
Bike to Work day, an annual event on the third Friday of May, promotes the trusty bicycle as an option for commuting to work. Cycling offers up many health benefits as well as reduces carbon emissions, reduces traffic congestion and is well also lots of fun! Though right now most of us are working from home why not celebrate by taking a break from the home office and getting out to explore one of the nearby trails and bike patch.
Windsor Essex is a cyclists dream – no matter if you are new to two wheels or an experienced rider! W.E. have miles of trails for you to enjoy. Use our Cycle Tourism Map to explore – there are six highlighted routes to help plan your next two-wheeled adventure.
JRBy Jessica R. Durling, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Humboldt Journal
Fri., May 7, 2021 timer2 min. read
Approximately seven kilometres of walking trails in La Ronge received provincial and federal funding so they can be made accessible year-round.
These additions include hard surfaces on areas that would be uncrossable in the summer.
“A lot of the trails are only usable in the winter time, after the ground has frozen because there’s some muskeg-y areas the trails go through,” said Tonia Logan, La Ronge’s recreation facility operations manager. “So we’ll either upgrade them with boardwalks or depending on since the price of lumber is so high, there might be other options we can look at.”
The trails are expected to be wide enough to accommodate strollers and bikes. Other modifications may include stairs in some areas as well as handrails.
Logan said the Town of La Ronge has been wanting to do the development for “some time.”
“We’re seeing a trend in parks and recreation that because of the pandemic people are focusing on their health and wellness and they’re trying to get outside and do more stuff,” she said.
“It is driven by the pandemic, and we do think that trend is going to continue and people will be excited about just being able to get outside and do their own type of recreation and leisure.”
The town will be working in partnership with the Boreal Outdoor Recreation Association (BORA), which developed those trails.
