Work is moving along smoothly on the MPE LINK Pathway.
The 15-kilometre path will connect Lethbridge with Coaldale and provide an option for cyclists and pedestrians to travel between the two communities.
Phase one of the project is now fully paved.
“It’s a huge step,” says Henry Doeve, chair of the MPE LINK Pathway Committee.
The first phase includes a 3.5 kilometre stretch from the St. Mary River Irrigation District drainage canal across from 30 Street in Coaldale to an area just before Highway 512, with a turnaround section before the highway.
Doeve explains that the committee continues to work on the design of the next phases of the project.
“We’re engineering and designing the crossing – the 512 crossing where we cross Highway 512. So, we continue the design process and then when the funds roll in, we’re ready to roll,” he says.
As of July 3, 2024, $3.5 million has been raised for the pathway, according to the project website. Doeve believes the pathway will provide a tourism boost for southern Alberta.
“People will come to this region to ride the pathway once it’s fully complete,” he says.
Doeve adds it will highlight agriculture in the region, showcasing canola fields and irrigation canals.
“It’s an educational, [agricultural] interpretive pathway and there’s many stops of wildlife viewing areas.”
The grand opening for phase one of the MPE LINK Pathway is set for August 8.
