Arguably among Sundre’s most appealing features is the local network of paths and nature trails, many of which feel almost completely isolated without a single building in sight despite never actually being very far from home.
They not only provide a perfect opportunity for people to pursue an active, healthy lifestyle, but also are very accessible, never more than mere minutes away. Many residents are even fortunate enough to have access just beyond their backyards.
Plenty of Albertans must no doubt drive considerable distances to access trails that come close to comparing with our own, so we think Sundre is especially lucky to have a network of paths readily available at our fingertips.
Yet while we certainly hope residents make the most of this wonderful asset, we also want to encourage everyone to play safe and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Certain sections of trail that run along the Red Deer River have unfortunately been compromised by constant erosion that has left portions of some paths in peril of collapsing into the water without warning.
The situation did not go unnoticed by the municipality, nor members of the Sundre Bike n’ Ski Club, who are of course no strangers to the trails. The group coordinated efforts with approval from the town to set back by several metres one such trail that had become a hazard.
However, although a couple of logs had initially been placed to demarcate the closed-off portion of the path while guiding traffic to the new set-back trail, those makeshift barriers have since been removed.
Bryan McBain, an active club member and volunteer, said anyone who frequents the portion of that path along the river should exercise caution.
“If you do fall in there, you’re right in the main current of the river,” he said.
We applaud the club’s year-round efforts to provide for the community an important service that gives anyone who’s so inclined a chance to lead a more active and therefore healthy lifestyle.
But we also urge everyone who ventures out to explore the trails to be careful and to never ignore safety measures meant to protect the public from harm.
— Ducatel is the Round Up’s editor
