When Red Deer City council meets on Monday it will consider amending plans to upgrade the Nordic Trails at River Bend Golf and Recreation Area.  

In 2014 council approved a plan to meet the technical requirements to host biathlon and cross country skiing during the 2019 Canada Winter Games.  

Recreation Superintendent Barb McKee said that originally included around 5 km of trail and now Parkland Ski Club wants to enhance the other 15 km pending provincial grant funding.

“That will look at some improvements to the base and a little bit of width increasing. Also they’re trying to improve trail connections out there so skiers don’t have to cross the main road that goes into Riverbend. Finally they’re trying to get some lighting on site to improve access in the early morning and evening hours.”

McKee added if successful the city would see additional trail improvements beyond what has been approved for the games which would leave an even bigger legacy for Red Deerians.  

“Right now those trails are very well used but we know with the growth of the city that demand pressures out there are changing. So we’re trying to look at mixed use around snowshoers and hikers on the same trails as cross country skiers or even fat tire biking in the winter is becoming more popular. These changes will allow a more usable and accessible facility after the games.”

The initial plan approved by council in 2014 would cost $729,000.