The editorial in the St. Albert Gazette, last Saturday, spoke to the lack of suitable access to the future John E. Poole (JEP) Interpretive Wetland at Lois Hole Provincial Park.
After touring the future Hole’s Enjoy Centre immediately across Ray Gibbon Drive, it became apparent how complementary this facility was to the JEP wetland project and how a pedestrian overpass linking the two is critical in alleviating pedestrian safety concerns.
Ducks Unlimited Canada has now begun discussions with the Holes to explore the possibility of having the Enjoy Centre function as a staging area for school classes visiting the JEP wetland project. The potential here is endless, given the Hole’ complementary vision for environmental conservation and the multi-functional nature of this world-class centre, but requires pedestrian access across Ray Gibbon Drive.
A pedway here, in addition to its need for public safety, would enhance access to the St. Albert parks network and could serve as a landmark gateway to Lois Hole Provincial Park. I can’t think of a more suitable ribbon cutting for St. Albert’s 150th anniversary in 2011.
Dave Kay, St. Albert
