The inability to allow and have STANSKI set proper cross-country trails in River Lot 56 is now another reason to move away from St. Albert.
One of the reasons we chose to move and live in St. Albert was the proximity of the cross-country ski trails in a natural area. We moved here from Ottawa where there was cross-country skiing right at our back door on Blair and Montreal roads. STANSKI, for the past 30 years, has been an excellent community partner to the city and province in maintaining the environment in River Lot 56 and allowing all ages of Albertans to enjoy nature and exercise in winter. Before this environmental naturalist group ever existed, and the province cared about the area, STANSKI was there, maintaining the trails in River Lot 56 North and South for winter and summer enjoyment. They removed the deadfalls to make sure that the users of the trails in this natural area were safe in the winter and summer and all could enjoy the area in every season.
Countless youth from schools have learned how to cross-country ski on River Lot 56 and many have gone on to represent us in this sport at a competition level. This includes not only cross-country skiing, but cross-country running. Many have also used these trails as physiotherapy pre- and post knee and hip reconstructive surgery. I ask that the mayor become involved in this power struggle, even at the ministerial level if necessary. In the meantime perhaps STANSKI can be permitted to set a trail along the Red Willow Trail system from the railway bridge to the BLESS platform and in the Riel natural area around the lagoons. Cross-country skiing is not an activity to be done just on flat terrain. It requires some hills as well. Thank you for your intervention in this conflict.
Liz Samson, St. Albert
