A ceremony took place during Lacombe County Council Thursday afternoon to celebrate those involved in building the County’s trail system.

At council, representatives from Lacombe County were honoured for their work on The Great Trail, previously known as the Trans Canada Trail.

Former County Councillor, Cliff Soper, and Manager of Operations with the County, Phil Lodermeier, received the Alberta Trail Hero 150 award, in celebration of the Canada’s birthday and the County’s connection to the Great Trail, which took place late last month.

Director of Alberta Trail Net Debbie Olsen presented them with their certificates, something she was extremely happy to do.

“It means a great deal to give out these awards. It recognizes people who have done so much to build trails in Alberta. The Trail Hero Award is a special recognition that was only given to a few Albertans and it was my great pleasure to be able to award it to Cliff Soper and Phil Lodermeier here in Lacombe County.”

On August 27th, Lacombe joined 200 communities across the country to celebrate the full connectivity of The Great Trail, which connects every province in the country.

Olsen, who has worked with both recipients, said it’s been a pleasure getting to know them and had great things to say about the area.  

“It’s great to be involved with them, it’s great to be aware of all the trails within Alberta and I have to say, I meant what I said when I said some of the most beautiful sections of the Trans Canada Trail (The Great Trail) in the province are right here in Lacombe County.”

The Great Trail, is claimed to be the world's longest network of recreational trails, stretching over the entire country.