Pump up your tires – the Hamlet of Robb pump track is officially open and it’s time to hit the road! More than 75 people attended the unveiling of the “Coal Train” on October 1. The name was submitted by a member of the community to reflect the area’s history and the importance of the coal industry to the hamlet – Robb is located 60 km southwest of Edson in the “Coal Branch” along the Embarras River.

Trans Mountain contributed $140,000 through a Community Benefit Agreement with Yellowhead County to fund the pump track. It’s an important new gathering spot for the community and was built in the park next to the Robb Multiplex, outdoor ice rink, playground and gazebo. From mountain bikes and scooters, to BMXs and skateboards, the asphalt track is a playground for all wheels and provides a challenging and fun activity for all users and levels.

We’ve signed Community Benefit Agreements along 95 per cent of the pipeline route, which help with initiatives like education and training opportunities, investing in infrastructure and trail improvements, and park projects like the pump track. The funds help to compensate for any inconvenience and temporary disruption caused in the communities during construction of the Expansion Project.

Expansion Project work in the Yellowhead area begins west of Edmonton and includes about 285 kilometres of pipeline and four pump stations. Trans Mountain began construction at three of our pump stations in this area in October 2019 and pipeline construction began in December of last year. When construction reaches its peak in this area near the end of this year, approximately 800 people are expected to be working in the region.