Walking Trails & Access
Apply for permission to create a walking trail on County Reserve Land and learn what is required before work can begin.
Walking Trails on County Reserve Land
County Reserve Lands are managed for public use, recreation, and the protection of natural areas. They are not intended for the private use of neighbouring landowners.
If you would like to create a walking trail across County Reserve Land, you must first apply to the County for approval.
Apply for a Walking Trail
Complete the Direct Access Walking Trails on County Reserves Application and include a site plan showing the proposed trail.
Your site plan should show:
- Property lines
- North direction
- County roads, highways, or internal subdivision roads
- The location of the proposed trail
- Rivers and other bodies of water
- Bank breaks or valley ridges
The proposed trail can be a maximum of 2 metres wide.
Do not begin any trail development until you have received the County’s decision in writing.
If Your Trail is Approved
If your application is approved, you and the County will complete a Direct Access Agreement before development can move forward.
The County will also complete an inspection of the site before the work begins and another inspection after the work is complete. A fee is charged according to the County’s Fee Schedule Bylaw to cover these inspections.
Protecting County Reserve Land
Approved trails are intended for pedestrian access while protecting the surrounding reserve land and keeping it available for public use.
When creating and using an approved trail:
- Do not excavate.
- Do not remove vegetation, trees, or soil outside the approved trail.
- Do not litter.
- Do not use off-highway vehicles on the trail.
- Do not upgrade the trail without County permission.
- Public access cannot be denied.
- Do not add other development such as sheds or fire pits.
Motorized equipment or machinery cannot be used to create the pedestrian access, except for a chainsaw while hand-clearing the approved trail.
Approval to create a trail does not include approval for docks, boat launches, or boat lifts.
For the complete requirements, review the Reserve Lands Management Policy and the conditions included with the application.
Important Dates & Deadlines
No upcoming events or important dates at this time.
Planning & Development
Contact Information
Administration:
5015 49 Avenue
St. Paul, AB T0A 3A4
Email: [email protected]
