[scyeg]

Historic buildings are critical assets to the ski towns in Colorado and Utah. Their character basically supports a micro economy in places like Breckenridge or Park City. It's not impossible to believe that Edmonton's historic buildings couldn't help develop a cross country ski industry in the river valley that would generate tourist revenue for the city. Instead of spending millions on commuter bike paths that are little used, it would be beneficial to divert some of that funding to expand and develop the river valley path system to accommodate ski trails which could also be used in the summer months by bike riders.

There's no reason we can't have both. Commuter bike paths serve a completely different purpose and are going to be needed as the city continues to grow and less people rely on cars (due to traffic, environmental reasons, cost, etc.). We'll be very thankful in 10/20 years when we look back at the work and money the city is putting into this now instead of struggling with trying to do it all at once. Other cities may not be so lucky.

I love the idea of developing a x-country system through the river valley.