Jessie Lake trail becomes subject of satire and discussion

The trail across Jessie Lake, which has been underwater for years, is accessible now with water levels dropping enough for those to reach the viewing tower. 

It’s been met with some a satirical eye by one Bonnyville resident, Scott Sealy, who filmed himself walking across the lake, and posted the video on Facebook. 

The video has been well-seen locally, with over 5,000 views online in roughly 24 hours, and makes some subtle jabs towards the Town for its quality, as well as issues with vandalism. 

During the latest edition of The Morning After on Wednesday, Mayor Elisa Brosseau was asked about what the Town can do with the trail moving forward, and what they’ve done already.  

She said that many portions of the trail shown in the video are the M.D. of Bonnyville’s portion and investments have been made to improve the area. 

“It’s important for people to understand that we had such high water five to six years that it completely covered the trail. That’s an act of God that’s completely out of control,” said Brosseau. 

“We’ve been implementing certain things such as getting our pump going and we’re lowering the water levels in Jessie Lake. As far as the trail…we’ve built it out over the west end because we knew it was important and people really liked that full trail all the way around. Because we couldn’t control that — we built it out toward the west.” 

The video took aim at the tower and graffiti that has been sprayed there, as well as alluding to the trail lighting that the Town spent upwards of $800,000 to make walking more accessible at night.

“We only own the trail so far…at some point there’s private land and then there’s also the M.D., so in fixing the trail it really it has to be a collaborative effort. It also costs a lot of money. We’re invested in the trail. Obviously, with the vision plan for Jessie Lake, we’re invested in that,” said Brosseau. 

“The part of the trail that leads up to the bridge is the responsibility of the town as soon as you get over to the tower, that’s on private land ownership, and then the rest is M.D. 

“There’s so many factors that come in. We can’t control that lake, we can’t control all the birds that go there. We can’t control the blue green algae.” 

An open house to discuss ideas for a Lakeshore Drive Community Recreation Plan is set during next week’s chili cookoff during Pro Rodeo is set for Friday, June 7.