Draft March 31, 2010 NEWS RELEASE Athabasca Landing Trail Master Plan Now Complete The master plan for the proposed Athabasca Landing Trail is now complete. The plan shows the proposed route for this 150 km non-motorized recreational trail, which runs between Fort Saskatchewan and Athabasca, and highlights the region’s historic features. The plan was developed over the past year by Stantec Consulting Ltd. under the guidance of the Athabasca Landing Trail steering committee, a partnership of municipalities and recreation organizations. The Alberta government provided a $50,000 grant to fund the project in 2008 and their contribution was matched by contributions from five municipalities along the trail corridor. Additional project funding and support was provided by Alberta TrailNet Society. “We were pleased to see the collaborative approach the committee took to develop the plan, and explore recreation and tourism opportunities in the region,” said Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. “This is a first step toward building another attraction for Albertans and visitors to get active, enjoy nature and explore our province.” The planning stage of the project included extensive landowner and community consultation in the region; discussions and agreements about rights-of-way will continue over the next several months and may necessitate some revision to the plan. “For the most part, people living along the trail have been supportive of the project,” said Rob Woito, chair of the committee and president of the Athabasca Recreational Trails Association. “They are pleased that the trail will be non-motorized and that it emphasizes the history of the region. People are proud that their family history will become part of the trail, and others see the potential for new or expanding business opportunities.” The Athabasca Landing Trail played a key role in delivering goods and services between Edmonton and Athabasca in the late 1800s, and was an important transportation route for settlers in the area. The planned route for the redeveloped trail closely follows the historic and designated Trans Canada Trail (TCT) route, but sometimes deviates away from roads to stretches with natural areas or into small communities where trail users can access services. Expected trail use includes hiking, horseback riding, cycling, cross-country skiing, dog sledding and more. Communities situated near or along the trail are Athabasca, Colinton, Meanook, Perryvale, Rochester, Tawatinaw, Nestow, Clyde, Westlock, Waugh, Fedorah, Bon Accord, Gibbons, Lamoureux and Fort Saskatchewan. The Athabasca Landing Trail will also connect to the Peace River and Victoria trails, and to TCT’s northern water route. To obtain a summary copy of the master plan, go to www.trailnet.ca/athabasca or call toll-free 1- 877-987-2457. -30- Erin Larson, Communications Andrea Collins, Communications Tourism, Parks and Recreation Athabasca Landing Trail Steering Committee 780-415-0918 780-433-7209 .