ATHABASKA LANDING TRAIL NEWS RELEASE May 13, 2009 ATHABASKA LANDING TRAIL CONSULTATION BEGINS People who live or work near the historic Athabaska Landing Trail are invited to attend one of two Public Open Houses regarding development of the trail to be held on Wednesday, May 27 at the Perryvale Hall & Thursday, May 28 at Half Moon Lake Community Hall. Sessions run 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with presentations at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. The open houses are organized by the Athabaska Landing Trail steering committee and Stantec Consulting, the company hired to develop the conceptual master plan for a non-motorized recreational trail between Lamoureux and Athabasca. The open houses are intended to create awareness about this trail project, and gather information and input on the proposed trail route. The Athabaska Landing Trail will follow, wherever possible, the existing historical route, often referred to as “The 100 Mile Portage.” This trail played a key role in the transporting of goods and services between Edmonton and Athabasca in the late 1800s and was an important transportation corridor for settlement of the region. Though some parts of the old trail enjoy frequent use and have been maintained, other portions will need upgrading or development in order to create a continuous 150 km recreational trail. Communities on or near the trail include Lamoureux, Fort Saskatchewan, Fort Augustus, Gibbons, Bon Accord, Fedorah, Waugh, Clyde, Westlock, Nestow, Tawatinaw, Rochester, Perryvale, Meanook, Colinton and Athabasca. The trail route is currently recognized as a recreation, tourism and historical interpretation amenity and is registered as part of the Trans Canada Trail in Alberta. The steering committee has representatives from the Town of Athabasca, County of Athabasca, Westlock County and Sturgeon County; the Athabasca Recreational Trails Association; Rainbow Equitation Society; Pioneer Trail North Foundation; Alberta TrailNet Society; Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation; and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Those unable to attend the open houses are invited to contact Penny Dunford at Stantec to request or provide information: (780) 917-7217 or [email protected] -30- Media Contact: Andrea Collins ALT Communications Phone: (780) 433-7209 .