Whitecourt Town Council briefs
ACCESS TO THE ATHABASCA RIVER FROM 47 STREET AND RIVERSIDE TRAIL WILL BE CLOSED AUGUST 8 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30.
ccess to the Athabasca River from 47 Street and Riverside Trail will be closed from August 8 until September 30 to allow construction to proceed on the Athabasca River Erosion Control Project.
The Town initiated the project in 2013 after identifying substantial erosion of the river bank north of the Millar Western mill site. The project involves the construction of erosion control spurs (rock structures) along the Atha-basca River to provide protection to Riverboat Park, the Millar Western site, and Town owned land north of Flats Road. Kana Oilfield will be completing the work which is scheduled for completion at the end of September. The project is funded by the Provincial Community Resilience Program Grant, the Federal New Building Canada Plan, Millar Western Forest Products, and the Town of Whitecourt.
A series of nine new erosion control spurs, similar to the one at Riverboat Park, will be constructed in addition to habitat enhancements to compensate for potential lost
fish habitat. The damaged portion of the snowmobile trail, north of the Millar Western mill site, will be rebuilt to provide construction and maintenance access.
Construction is underway seven days a week between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., subject to weather and river conditions. While the majority of work will be conducted via the Millar Western mill site, community members will notice increased truck traffic along 47 Street, north to the river. Heavy equipment working near the river, north of the Whitecourt Golf & Country Club, and west of 47 Street will result in restrictions on access to these areas until late September.
Riverboat Park:
The park will remain open with full access to the boat launch and shelter. Work will stop during the scheduled Whitecourt Carlan Cup Jet Boat Race event scheduled August 6 and 7.
Millar Western Forest Products:
The majority of the work will be conducted via the Millar Western mill site. The Town of Whitecourt is working with the company to coordinate access.
North-end of 47 Street/Riverside Trail:
• Public access to the Athabasca River from 47 Street and Riverside Trail will be restricted from August 8 until September 30. (Please refer to the map attached.)
• Pedestrians and vehicles will not be allowed on 47 Street north of the Church of Latter Day Saints.
• Heavy equipment will be operating in this area to install erosion control structures. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we work with our partners to complete this project.