Incorporated in 1909 by William MacKenzie and Donald Mann, the Alberta Midland Railway was built from Vegreville to Calgary, with a shortcut from Camrose to Strathcona, which merged with Edmonton in 1912. Other significant settlements along the railway include Ryley, Round Hill, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Red Willow, Stettler, Big Valley, Rumsey, Rowley, Morrin, Munson, Drumheller, Rosebud, and Rockyford. Along the short cut to Strathcona is Armena, Hay Lakes, and New Sarepta.

The opportunity exists to create a spectacular tourist destination in eastern Alberta. This trail could be converted into a bicycling and ATVing trail that attracts people from Calgary and Edmonton looking for somewhere to spend the weekend. It would also be a unique draw to those that want to live in rural eastern Alberta. It goes through towns and villages that would benefit from the economic opportunities such a destination would provide. There is even a precedent in Alberta, with the Iron Horse Trail in northeastern Alberta being a gem in that area. The tracks split near Upper Mann Lake, and I have quadded on this trail and it is really awesome. Outside of Alberta, all of Prince Edward Island's former railway has been turned into a bicycling trail. I love spending time outdoors, and I advocate for this trail to be built so I can enjoy a part of Alberta that isn't in the spotlight as much as the Rockies.