MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - A report outlining a proposed $2.4 million plan to undertake bank stabilization at the county-owned Westward Ho Campground along the Little Red Deer River has been received and reviewed by Mountain View County council.
The update came during the Oct. 23 council meeting, held in person and online.
During 2024 project budget deliberations, council approved a project to undertake formal engineering of the work required to complete bank stabilization within the campground.
“The proposed design is intended to stabilize the existing riverbank slope, provide erosion protection to stop bank erosion and is not intended as flood protection for any area of the campground,” administration said in a briefing note to council.
The recommendation in the report for bank stabilization activities were broken into seven areas of concern.
Before any construction can commence on a bank stabilization project, the county would need to obtain permits from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Alberta Environment, and may require a historical resources impact assessment, and get input from the Aboriginal Consultation Office.
Total construction costs for all sections are estimated to be $2.14 million including engineering costs up to tender preparation $121,129, and construction and post construction engineering of $125,500.
Coun. Peggy Johnson asked if the Westward Ho Campers Association has been consulted regarding the possibility of helping cover the cost. Director of operations Ryan Morrison said no.
Reeve Angela Aalbers asked if the project could be done in stages. Morrison said yes.
Council needs to know more about the possible impact of bank erosion and what infrastructure could be at risk, she said.
“Would council find that useful where we actually understand the impact of each segment and what we are trying to achieve and what we are trying to safeguard,” she said.
The report is expected to be discussed further at upcoming budget deliberations. Council has not made a decision to move forward with bank stabilization at the campground.
Council accepted the report as information. The complete report is available for viewing on the county’s website.
