Elk Point town council approved the Regional Master Trail Plan, after a presentation from Travel Lakeland executive director Marianne Janke and STEP Regional Economic Development’s Linda Sallstrom during their July 14 meeting.
Janke and Sallstrom explained that STEP managed Alberta Community Partnership funding for the Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay, while the Lakeland Destination Marketing Organization oversaw the project. The plan that was finished in July 2024, provides municipalities and investors with an approach to expand, connect and enhance existing trail systems across the region.
The project involved building a physical inventory of area trails and engaging residents, and land managers to understand their perspectives.
Janke said feedback showed strong community support for trail tourism, recognition of assets like the Iron Horse Trail and river valley views. There were also suggestions for creating “signature trail” experiences, though participants also noted operational challenges and the need fore careful design and management.
Councillors praised the vision, with councillor Tim Smereka saying, “There’s a lot of thinking to be done.” Deputy Mayor Jason Boorse noted the need to “show area trails off,” and Mayor Parrish Tung adding, “We are well situated to achieve.”
Council passed the motion to approve the report, joining the town and county of St. Paul and the Summer Village of Horseshoe Bay.
