Picture Butte council hears presentation on potential pump track

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

Hopes for a pump track in the Town of Picture Butte have been put on hold for the time being, after a proposed location for it, was deemed not suitable. 

Brett Houweling and his wife Anna recently presented a proposal to councillors at the Town of Picture Butte’s March 10 regular council meeting, to build a pump track and recreation area in town between Northridge St. and the Walk on the Wildside. 

“The location that I had proposed got turned down by the Lethbridge North Irrigation District (LNID), – (the land) is a backup area for overlow,” said Houweling, noting he needed permission from the LNID to build the pump track because they own the land on the proposed site. “The town appreciated the presentation. It’s an amenity that they’re interested in and they would possibly contact me in the future if they can (suggest) an alternate location.” 

Houweling said he is willing to work with the town on any future options and was happy to present his idea at the March 10 council meeting. In the presentation, he noted that building an outdoor recreation area in town will encourage active lifestyles within the community and the proposed pump track would be all inclusive, allowing for various ages and skill levels to use it. 

“We have a very active community,” said Houweling, noting there are currently 18 pump tracks in Alberta, with the closest tracks in Elkford B.C. and High River AB. “To be the only track in basically, southern Alberta, it has a huge draw for even people in Lethbridge,” he added. 

The proposed track would be used by mountain bikes, BMX bikes, balance bikes, scooters, skateboards, inline skates and wheelchairs – for those from the lowest skill levels to professional racers. 

Houweling pointed out the positive impacts pump tracks can have for people of all ages.

“I think from the ages of two to 92, you could easily use a track like this. They’re built so that if you want just a casual ride through, you can easily do that and for those that really want to push it and be active or the more extreme people, they can get the thrill out of it too,” he said. 

Pump tracks are designed in dirt, modular, asphalt or concrete forms and is a fairly low impact sport. Councillors heard about the four proposed pump track options including costs and maintenance involved in each type, as well as potential ways to fund a pump track, inlcuding business sponsorships, government funding or grants, donations from local clubs and possible funding from the town.   

Houweling noted that a potential pump track in Picture Butte could possibly be used throughout the year, weather dependant.  

“(Southern Alberta) has fairly mild winters so pump tracks have started to become a lot more popular in Alberta,” said Houweling. “It is the third most requested in-town amenity – behind spray parks and pickleball courts.”