Project Update

Trail closures will begin February 14, 2022, and continue until construction is complete in summer of 2022. 

The project team is attempting to have the trail open on weekends when construction activities allow for safe access for the public. However, it may be necessary to keep the trail closed on weekends during some phases of construction as access won’t be safe for the public. The trail will be fully closed on weekdays. 

Weekend detours will be provided around construction zones through gravel surfacing and detour signage. Signage will also be displayed at the north and south trail heads to provide daily access updates for trail users. Below are the weekend hours when the trail is open:

  • Trail opens to the public: Fridays at 5pm
  • Trail closes to the public: Mondays at 7am

Note: this form of construction sequencing will be evaluated as construction progresses. If public safety issues arise, the trail will be fully closed for the remainder of construction.

PLEASE OBEY ALL SIGNS, CONSTRUCTION ZONE FENCING/BARRICADES, AND ON SITE STAFF DIRECTION.

Tree Removals

Tree removals were completed in 2021. Removals were necessary for long-term stabilization and as a drainage solution for this trail. The removal areas consisted of predominantly smaller native material and did not include a significant quantity of mature trees. A robust naturalization plan has been developed and will be implemented once the stabilization work is complete.

The naturalization plan will enhance and improve the existing ravine ecosystem. Native species including aspen, poplar, white spruce, saskatoon, dogwood, willow, wild rose and snowberry will be planted in quantities suitable for restoring the newly constructed slopes. 

About the Project

Ramsay Ravine Trail is a popular paved shared-use path (SUP) located in central Edmonton. In 2018 and 2019, the City completed interim repairs, however more robust work is required due to ongoing erosion.

Following detailed engineering assessments, a repair plan has been developed including reconstructing the north section of the trail and the installation of a wall on the south end to stabilize the area and prevent additional erosion. 

Project Life Cycle "Build" Chevron

2022

  • Construction anticipated to begin in February
  • Construction anticipated to be completed in mid-summer

2021

  • Construction contracts issued for tender

2020

  • Slope instability at the south section of trail worsened due to heavy rains, causing additional damage and increasing the length of the site to be repaired.
  • Assessments undertaken to identify causes of trail damage and potential solutions to provide a safe and sustainable trail condition. 
  • As a result of this assessment, several options were identified including:
    • Completing drainage and waterway work to reconstruct the trail in its original location. 
    • Installation of some form of structural stabilization measures (e.g. pile wall) to reconstruct the trail in its original location.
    • Realignment of the trail away from the eroded bank to construct a new segment of trail in a safe location.  
  • Option of completing drainage and waterway works (including installation of a new culvert) and reconstruction of the trail in its original location was selected for the north section, while the south section would use a pile wall to permit reconstruction of the trail in its original location.

2019

  • Following heavy rain, the trail banks collapsed further impacting the temporary repair, resulting in another full closure and additional repairs of the trail.
  • In fall 2019, a more extensive temporary repair was completed after receipt of a Temporary Field Authorization from Alberta Environment and Parks.  
  • The temporary repair included infilling a portion of the collapsed bank with large rock, permitting reconstruction of the trail temporarily in its original location.

2018

  • In summer 2018, River Valley Parks & Facilities identified a portion of asphalt paved trail collapsing above a culvert along the east bank of the Ramsay Ravine.
  • The trail was closed to the public in September 2018 for repairs.
  • Temporary gravel trail was constructed and path reopened.

Project Context Map

Site Plan PDF