Trail closure sign outside of the Ajax Trail near Kin Coulee Park (Photo courtesy of Ross Lavigne)

By Scott Roblin

Pathway Erosion

Spike in pathway closures due to erosion an anomaly according to City

Jun 24, 2020 | 6:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Pathway systems in Medicine Hat have taken quite the beating over the last few weeks, as heavy rainfall has closed some paths to the public.

In just a matter of days, the City of Medicine Hat has issued closure advisories for pieces of the Ajax, Riverside, and Police Point Trails.

“We love rain, we love water, but sometimes when it comes down in a very short period of time in a high volume, it does seem to cause these issues,” said superintendent of parks Dave Genio.

Rain has eroded and washed out some pieces of the three trails, sparking the City to temporarily close areas of the pathways while repairs are completed.

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The Ajax Trail closure is particularly challenging for the City as it’s not the typical pathway system that they usually deal with.

“It’s a lot of boardwalk, a lot of bridge work in a very delicate and sensitive area,” said Genio. “So, it takes a lot of environmental implications to get in there to do the repairs.”

Ajax Trail is closed from 12^th Street SW to the Lorne Holden Field entrance in Kin Coulee Park, while it was also announced this week Riverside Trail from 5^th Avenue NW to 3^rd Street NW is closed temporarily.

Last week, the City temporarily closed a portion of Police Point Trail after rain and excavation work in the Parkview Close area caused part of the trail to collapse.

Spring and summer erosion is something the City deals with every year for its pathway system, though to see so many instances in a short period of time is rare.

“This is kind of an anomaly especially for certain trails and areas,” said Genio. “We try to do our best to not have them happen on a regular occurrence.”

Pathway users are encouraged to be aware of their surroundings and leave any areas that don’t seem stable, while being extra vigilant following rainfall events according to Genio.

“If you are looking at going out to our trail systems after heavy rainfall, a storm or anything else, there are potential hazards that could be existing on the trails that we haven’t got the opportunity to get to or assess to yet,” he said. “So in doing that, we would love for our residents to make sure that they’re keeping themselves safe, if they happen to see anything to bring it to our attention as quickly as possible.”

Anyone who finds an unstable area of Medicine Hat’s pathway system is encouraged to contact the City’s parks and recreation department at 403-529-8333.