Thoughts on twinning 881

To the Editor:

This letter is in regards to the story, MLA’s report recommends twinning of Highway 881, in the July 3 edition of the St. Paul Journal.

The issue in question is the route that 881 takes going north from St. Paul. In 1985, plans were in progress to send 881 north from where it meets Highway 55. The route is through what eventually became the Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area (LPRA).

Highway 881 would have gone along the eastern shore of Pinehurst Lake and then between Seibert and Touchwood Lakes, from where it would have gone along the western boundary of the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR) and on to Fort McMurray.

There are many advantages to such an alignment. Firstly, it would greatly reduce the travel time and distance from the Cold Lake, Bonnyville and St. Paul areas where many oil industry operators and workers are also involved in the developments north of the CLAWR and Fort McMurray. Secondly, a road through the LPRA would open it up for the development of a Kananaskis North. The potential for tourism development in the LPRA is tremendous. People living and working in Fort McMurray would welcome such development, as would many from southern and central Alberta.

Twinning of 881 may or may not be the best solution. Strategically located passing lanes may be more economical and effective in the long term.

Fred Alexandruk

Edmonton