Project Update - October 2022

Construction is complete and the trail is open to the public. A small closure will occur in the spring of 2023 for asphalt remediation work. The closure is expected to last up to two days.

Please check back here and watch City social media channels for updates. 

Tree removals

Removals are necessary for the long-term stabilization and as a drainage solution for this trail. The removal areas consist of predominantly smaller native material and do 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. 

Project Overview

Ramsay Ravine Trail is a popular paved shared-use path 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 was completed in the 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.