Hinton Awarded Grant Funds for Beaver Boardwalk Rehabilitation Project 

The Town of Hinton and the Beaver Boardwalk Community Oversight Committee are pleased to announce that major Beaver Boardwalk maintenance will commence during the winter of 2024. 

The Boardwalk Rehabilitation Project, which aims to address infrastructure improvements and continued preservation of this iconic Hinton landmark, is made possible through the awarding of $2.5M in grant funds from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA). 

FRIAA’s generous grant funding allows for the rehabilitation of approximately 85% of the Beaver Boardwalk. Rehabilitation work will include replacing all pilings, which will stabilize the structure, replacing all unsalvageable decking, and restoring sections that are sunken and leaning. Based on feedback from the community, some sections will be widened to enhance the user experience at high-traffic locations along the Boardwalk. 

Being that the Boardwalk is a beloved local attraction that has provided residents and visitors alike with the opportunity to connect with nature for many years, the grant funds will also be used to leverage additional funding streams to support 100% completion of the Boardwalk Rehabilitation Project ensuring continued enjoyment of this natural space for generations to come. Hinton’s Mayor, Nicholas Nissen, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are grateful to FRIAA for their support, which will enable us to undertake much-needed restorative work on the Beaver Boardwalk, and we look forward to seeing it returned to its full glory." 

With funding now secured and necessary environmental approvals from the Province already in place, the Town can proceed with multiple construction phases, which are weather-dependent. Concerning project timelines, Heather Waye, Parks, Recreation, and Culture Manager for the Town of Hinton and project manager for the Boardwalk Rehabilitation Project, said “that to ensure the least impact on the wetland ecosystem, works will occur under frozen conditions beginning this winter, and with the right weather conditions we are hopeful to have hit our 85% completion rate for the project by spring of 2025; though contingency for warmer weather conditions ensures that completion rate will be achieved no later than December 2025”. Waye also expressed confidence that 100% completion of the project would be achievable by December 2026. 

Hinton residents can expect more detailed information regarding project phases this fall before project commencement in December. 

The Beaver Boardwalk holds significant cultural and ecological value for the community of Hinton, and thus, the Town of Hinton wishes to extend great thanks to the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta for their support and investment in our community's natural spaces. Town Administration and the Beaver Boardwalk Community Oversight Committee look forward to the near future when they can welcome everyone to enjoy the revitalized Beaver Boardwalk experience.