The proposed trail route for Penhold's section of the Trans Canada trail was approved and amended by town council during its meeting on March 26.
The proposed trail route comes into town on Rge. Rd. 281 and would end up going along Fleming Avenue and connecting into Bouteiller Close.
Coun. Kathy Sitter suggested the trail should extend along Fleming Avenue to the school, something council agreed to and passed.
The route is part of Central Alberta Regional Trail Society (CARTS) overall plans to develop trails throughout Alberta. Red Deer County is participating and Penhold mayor Dennis Cooper explained in a later interview that the county wanted to ensure the trail would not just stop at the Penhold boundary.
Cooper raised a concern about how to tell residents during the meeting. Rick Binnendyk, Penhold's chief administrative officer, said when the trail has appeared on plans displayed for public input there has been no negativity about the plan.
“I think an open house would be a great idea or bring it up at our next community breakfast,” said Coun. Chad Hoffman.
Binnendyk suggested to council an open house or similar event not be held until the funds are assured.
Cooper said extending the trail to the school is only adding 400 more feet or so to the plan.
Council passed an additional motion to let Red Deer County and CARTS know they had approved the plans for Penhold.
Cooper said that a later step would be continuing the trail from Penhold to Innisfail.
