Builders Are (almost) Out; Beavers Are In: Boardwalk Reopens for the Season

May 9, 2025

As Maxwell Lake has thawed and signs of spring emerge, the beavers aren’t the only ones out of hibernation -the Beaver Boardwalk is back open and walkable once again!

Thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA), the Town of Hinton has made major progress in rehabilitating this beloved trail system. Winter construction for the 2024–25 season is now complete, with all planned decking installed and newly restored sections open to the public.

Please note: while the contractor will continue staging site cleanup this spring at the base of Sutherland Avenue and the green area on Reimer Drive, there are no active construction hazards, and the boardwalk is open for your enjoyment.

What's New & What to Expect

Access from Reimer Drive: Sections C and D are open and walkable; however, a small detour remains at the Reimer entrance. This will be removed shortly as the contractor clears out the staging area and preps it for natural regrowth.
Section J: This area has been piled but not framed or decked. Work will resume here during the next freeze window. In the meantime, please use caution as the ground conditions are uneven.
AA Signpost: A sunken sign in Section AA will be removed next season. Now that the lake has thawed, in-water work is avoided for safety and environmental protection.
Sutherland Avenue Ramp: Minor improvements will continue this spring to firm up the muddy path. The contractor will also apply geomatting to help prevent erosion until the Town’s Parks team returns to add a permanent, natural barrier with native vegetation in accordance with directions from the environmental monitor.
Section U Warning: A temporary pylon marks the end of Section U, which is piled but not decked. There’s a one-foot drop just past this marker on the installed decking —please avoid the area and use caution.

Looking Ahead

The contractor will return during the winter 2025–26 season to complete outstanding work in Sections J, U, and V. Until then, enjoy the many newly restored and reopened sections of the Beaver Boardwalk, and thank you for continuing to respect detours and posted signage.