A Beaver Boardwalk Update

September 15, 2020

Over the past year, the Town of Hinton has been engaged in an extensive process with Provincial management bodies to ensure that any work undertaken in the Beaver Boardwalk area is done so in a way that protects the sensitive wetland ecosystem while providing opportunity for residents and visitors to interface and learn from this unique wonder.

Since spring, the Beaver Boardwalk Committee have met with individuals who submitted statements of concern during the public notice process in conjunction with Alberta Environment and Parks.

A Water Act Approval submission is in place, which has since had a Supplemental Information Request made of the Town of Hinton. As there has not been any as built drawings provided to the Town or surveys completed, these are needing to be completed for the application to move forward. This process will also ensure that future applications have reference points for shifting locations and supports, and will also provide for delineation of existing gravel trail structures within the boardwalk area so that they may be maintained as needed. Area visitors can anticipate seeing surveyors in the area in the near future.

In order for the Town to complete, or even make a decision on completing, higher level (2 and 3) tasks this year a decision from the Province would be required before winter. Some tasks could, if approved, be completed while the lake is frozen.

Level One Tasks Excluded from Approval Process

The Town can, while the above process is being completed, complete some maintenance tasks needed in the Beaver Boardwalk Area. This comes following an early morning email on Friday, September 11, 2020 when we received official notice from AEP that tasks defined as Level 1 are excluded from requiring approval. Previous to an official exclusion notice received on Friday, the Town had been directed that these type of activities did require approval. The Town worked with AEP through supplemental information requests and site visits to ensure an understanding of the project and it’s interactions with relevant provincial policy, leading to this exclusion.

These are minor tasks with minimal impact to the surrounding areas, such as alignment and non-substantive maintenance within the existing footprint. Example activities include reinforcement, straightening/re-erecting of existing slouched section, and reinforcement of existing load bearing supports.

As the Town has been anticipating this decision for some time, staff were primed for this announcement and preparation for work began on Friday. Activity will likely be seen in the area this week.

Parks and potential contracted employees are required to carry out manufacturing and construction type tasks outside of the wetland area to minimize impact.