"There's a bright light at the end of the trail," says Kroffat

Momentum continues to build for a proposed multi-purpose trail connecting Calgary to Cochrane.

Name suggestions and sponsorships have been flowing in, and are expected to escalate when a major month-long campaign is launched in mid-January.

"There's a bright light at the end of the trail," says Dan Kroffat, of the steering committee. "Our steering committee is extremely optimistic. We're excited about the partnerships that have already been created and the ones that will follow."

Less than two months ago, the trail concept was revealed and a name the trail campaign was launched.

Since then, over 100 names have been submitted, and Kroffat wouldn't be surprised if they receive between 300 and 500 by the time the major campaign wraps up in February.

The Cochrane Rotary Club is spearheading the project, and it's being chaired by Alex Baum. He says attention has been paid to every single detail.

"There are many layers to this onion, and that's why there have been years of work put into it already because we want to get it right, and we don't want to leave anybody out or step on anybody's toes," says Baum. "When we put shovel in ground, then the easy work will be ahead of us. The more difficult work now is making sure we include everybody."

That includes selecting its name.

"We're putting it out to all Albertans, so no matter where you're from, whether it's Lac la Biche or Fort Macleod, we want everybody to put in a name request and say why they think it's important to be named that."

He says they're taking a "one brick at a time" approach to funding the project, referencing one of their partnership opportunities to purchase an engraved walking path brick for $200.

"We believe the grassroots funding is paramount for this project."

There are promising larger partnerships already in the works, in addition to the land already donated for the trail by the Harvie, Haskayne, and Robinson families.

Baum is confident Alberta's proud spirit will shine through.

"There are people already who want to buy a bench, there are people who want to buy a tree, so we think the financial side of it will not be easy, but certainly doable."

Preliminary estimates place the cost at $10 million. 

This is stage one of a larger vision to complete a trail from Calgary to Canmore and to meet the standards required to be recognized as part of the Trans Canada Trail.