Mount Lorette, along Kananaskis River in K-Country, Alberta, Canada. Photo 24664863 © Nelugo | Dreamstime.com

By rdnewsNOW Staff

More Than $4 Million

Government announces investment to improve trails, transit and expand K-Country

Mar 25, 2022 | 12:02 PM

Alberta’s government has announced it is upgrading trails, investing in public transit and expanding Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park to conserve and protect the environment while improving outdoor recreation opportunities.

As part of Budget 2022, the Alberta government says it is investing more than $4 million to upgrade the popular Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek day-use areas in Kananaskis Country.

Officials say these upgrades aim to address public safety issues and parking congestion while protecting the environment and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities.

“The public transit and trail investments we’re making today are examples of the Kananaskis Conservation Pass in action, helping to improve accessibility and day-use areas, and ensuring the landscapes that Albertans love are protected and well-maintained for years to come,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks, on Friday.

The government says record-breaking numbers of visitors are exploring Kananaskis Country and with increased visitation comes increased pressure on existing trails and facilities. These upgrades are hoped to ensure the sustainability of some of the region’s most popular trails while conserving the landscape and protecting the environment.

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“Kananaskis Country is a special part of our province,” noted Miranda Rosin, MLA for Banff-Kananaskis. “This new public transit initiative, paired with significant upgrades to everyone’s favourite trails and facilities, builds on major conservation initiatives in the region while promoting outdoor recreation and supporting our local tourism economy.”

Supported by revenues from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, Alberta’s government is also committing $994,000 to support a free regional transit initiative in partnership with the Town of Canmore. This new service is anticipated to reduce barriers and allow more Albertans to experience Kananaskis Country.

The new transit initiative is expected to launch in 2024. It will run from the Town of Canmore to the Canmore Nordic Centre and the upgraded Grassi Lakes day-use area.

“As more and more people are discovering the wonders that the Canmore area has to offer, this new three-year pilot for a fare-free Roam Public Transit route connecting the town to Quarry Lake, Grassi Lakes and the Canmore Nordic Centre will help manage traffic congestion while maintaining access to these popular areas,” added Sean Krausert, mayor, Town of Canmore.

When the conservation pass was first introduced, officials say Alberta’s government aimed to address vehicle parking congestion and enhance conservation and public safety in the region. Improving transit is expected to support opportunities for visitors to access Kananaskis Country from Canmore while helping to manage vehicle traffic and congestion at sites with limited parking.

“We are thrilled that Environment and Parks is continuing to invest into these popular trails to improve the user experience and safety. These upgrades will support the increased usage and provide better access for decades to come,” said Nancy Ouimet, executive director, Friends of Kananaskis Country.

Officials say Alberta’s government is also expanding Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park to conserve more of the outdoor spaces that Albertans love. In total, 610 acres – about the size of 462 standard football fields – will be incorporated into the park, strengthening the protection of the wildlife corridor in the area.

“It is great to see investments that we know will lead to better visitor experiences,” shared Rachel Ludwig, chief executive officer, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis. “The investment in regional transit aligns with our vision for sustainable tourism. It will make access to these popular spots easier for locals and visitors alike while helping alleviate parking issues and reducing emissions.”

“While we know there will be some pain points this summer while the much-needed upgrades are underway, our team looks forward to providing alternative suggestions for those epic experiences and adventures Canmore and Kananaskis are known for,” added Ludwig.

“The Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission is excited to be partnering on a regional transit initiative with Environment and Parks and the Town of Canmore,” exclaimed Martin Bean, chief administrative officer, Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission. “This initiative will allow visitors and residents to access key destinations without the use of a private vehicle, connecting highly visited areas and reducing vehicular congestion while promoting accessibility and sustainability.”

Quick facts

• Alberta’s government launched the Kananaskis Conservation Pass on June 1, 2021. To date, the pass has generated $12 million in revenue.
• Revenues from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass are being used to provide services to visitors and support operations in the region.
• $994,000 from pass revenues is being committed to the Town of Canmore to support a regional transit initiative that is expected to launch in 2024. These funds will be used towards the purchase of a transit bus and to enhance transit stops, construct associated infrastructure and operate the service for three years.
• Effective April 1, the Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek day-use areas will be under construction. Albertans are encouraged to discover the hundreds of kilometres of nearby maintained trails that are ready to be explored. Albertans can visit albertaparks.ca/parks/kananaskis