A grassroots Caroline organization is petitioning Clearwater County to allow it to move forward with plans for a paved, 3.25 km trail system around the Village of Caroline.
During Clearwater County’s Oct. 22 regular council meeting, Caroline Community Trails requested not only financial assistance from the county, but also permission, as much of the paved path would be on county land.
The proposed trail has been described as something of a “ring road” as it will connect new trails to existing sidewalks in the village, says organizer Monique Dean.
If the whole stretch of trails were paved, the estimated cost would be over $685,000. However, Dean says only 3.25 km is considering being paved, coming in at an estimated cost of $518,375.
Construction costs include not only the stretch of an 8 ft. wide trail, but also benches, brush clearing, garbage bins, trees, signage, as well as waste disposal costs during the construction process.
The plan would see the trails be accessible from any street in Caroline.
It would pass through two large treed sections in the northeast and southwest corners of the trail, as well as another west of the Caroline Community Hub.
The trail has also been planned to sit on mostly level ground, but will include a hill.
Proposed paved trail around the village of Caroline. (Caroline Community Trails/Caroline Ag Society)
The proposal also calls for a dog park to be constructed in the southeast corner of the trail system complete with gates, benches and pet waste receptacles.
While maintenance of the trail has not been determined, possible solutions would be for the county to look after it, or the organization would contract it out.
The delegation inquired about the county taking on the project, as amalgamation between the village and the county is a likely outcome in 2025.
Dean says the most important goal is to obtain approval from the county with funding considerations being secondary.
Deputy Reeve Genny Mehlhaff applauded the organization for taking on the initiatives themselves instead of the county doing the legwork.
Councillor Jordon Northcott indicated he would be in favor of supporting future funding for the project.
Reeve Michelle Swanson encouraged the delegation to look into the provincial Small Communities Opportunities Grant. The grant is for non-profits, Indigenous and small communities help build capacity in agriculture, small business and local economic development.
Clearwater County will be bringing the proposal back to a future meeting for further consideration.
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