The History of a Natural Opportunity
The Meadowlark Trail is a proposed pathway located between Beiseker and Irricana along a former branch of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) that was built in 1910. The CPR decommissioned the railroad connecting Beiseker and Irricana in the late 1990’s, removed the steel rails and wood ties, and it has been abandoned ever since.
After abandonment of the line the CPR donated the land to the Trans Canada Trail (TCT - now known as The Great Trail) in 1999. The TCT in turn transferred the land to Alberta TrailNet in 2005.
When the rail line was disbanded the culvert just South of Beiseker as well as two bridges that cross the Rosebud river and Crossfield Creek were removed. These key pieces of infrastructure will need to be replaced to connect this pathway.
Funding, and a Trail Committee in place. Consultations and rezoning efforts are on-going.
Spring of 2023
After years of planning and construction, the trail is fully operational. A grand opening ceremony was held June 4th, 2023, featuring a large pancake breakfast in Irricana followed by a hotdog lunch in Beiseker celebrating the natural link to both communities of the trail! Welcome all!
After abandonment of the line the CPR donated the land to the Trans Canada Trail (TCT - now known as The Great Trail) in 1999. The TCT in turn transferred the land to Alberta TrailNet in 2005.
When the rail line was disbanded the culvert just South of Beiseker as well as two bridges that cross the Rosebud river and Crossfield Creek were removed. These key pieces of infrastructure will need to be replaced to connect this pathway.
Funding, and a Trail Committee in place. Consultations and rezoning efforts are on-going.
Spring of 2023
After years of planning and construction, the trail is fully operational. A grand opening ceremony was held June 4th, 2023, featuring a large pancake breakfast in Irricana followed by a hotdog lunch in Beiseker celebrating the natural link to both communities of the trail! Welcome all!