Parts of Airdrie's existing pathway system will be designated as part of the Trans Canada Trail following a decision by City Council on Monday (September 18).

Another example of signage that will be installed along the trail. (Photo Courtesy: City of Airdrie)Jessica Mills, Parks Development Coordinator with the City of Airdrie, explained the Trans Canada Trail began in 1992 and now comprises over 24,000 kilometers of recreational trail stretching from coast to coast. Council was asked to endorse a route through Airdrie connecting to the trail.

"The ask of Council was designation of the route that Planning and the Parks Department worked on with the TrailNet organization. Council approved that route, and is allowing for signage instillation for this Airdrie route through the City."

Mills outlined the route running through Airdrie. The trail will start on Range Road 294 and run north to Genesis Place. From there, the trail turns west and crosses over the highway using the pedestrian overpass, running to the Nose Creek Museum, where it makes its way through Nose Creak Park heading north. At Veterans Boulevard, the trail turns east and runs along the road until it links to Irricana's road network. The trail will be comprised of existing pathway in Airdrie, and Mills said now that the plan has been endorsed, signs will start popping up along the trail.

"Basically, over the next few weeks we're going to start installing them and sometime in October we should have everything fully installed, and then our plan is to advertise the Great Trail and get people on it."

Mills also said that signage will assist with way-finding around Airdrie.

According to Mills, public consultation has shown that residents desire more connectivity and better pathways in Airdrie. Joining the Trans Canada Trail will help with that.

"I think it's just one part of the overall plan to eventually have a really great, connected city for walking, biking, whatever it may be. It's just one step in the right direction."