Construction of the new interpretive trail and demonstration area began in summer 2021 and is expected to be complete in fall 2022. The grand opening and ribbon cutting will occur in spring 2023, but the public can access the trail once construction is complete. The project is located between Cornwall Drive and the Beaver Trail.
The FireSmart Interpretive Trail will serve as a positive resource for the community, helping to connect residents with nature while also providing an opportunity to learn about the following topics:
- FireSmart in the Wood Buffalo Region
- Taking FireSmart action at home
- Building with FireSmart in mind
- Forest ecology
- Forest regeneration
This project aligns with the 2017 RMWB Wildfire Mitigation Strategy.
Public engagement
The municipality held two engagement sessions for this trail project. Community and stakeholder feedback helped choose the trail location and guide the design of several trail features.
| Engagement session #1: Site selection |
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The first engagement session took place on August 28, 2019 at Jubilee Plaza and invited residents to offer feedback on three proposed locations for the FireSmart Interpretive Trail. Following the session, a month-long online survey was available for residents to review the proposed location and provide additional feedback. Three proposed sites were suggested based on environmental, geotechnical, social consideration and site servicing criteria assessed for each location. Based on the criteria and input gathered during the first engagement session and subsequent online survey, site #3 – Cornwall Drive was selected as the best option for the new trail. |
| Engagement session #2: Design features |
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The second engagement session was held on October 30, 2019 at Saint Paul's School in Thickwood. This session welcomed key community partners and residents living in proximity to the proposed trail location to provide feedback on potential design and development features they would be interested in seeing in the new trail. Input provided in this session will help shape the design of the FireSmart Interpretive Trail. |
Next steps
Public access for this area will resume in fall of 2022. Schools, teachers and students are encouraged to explore the area to learn more about FireSmart, wildfires and the boreal forest. Contact the FireSmart Wood Buffalo team for more information.
Contact
For more information or to connect with a member of the project team, please contact PULSE. We are available to discuss the project in further detail or to meet at any time to hear your thoughts on the FireSmart Interpretive Trail.