Calgary seeks to triple river access sites for boats, pedestrians

The City of Calgarywants to more than triple the number of boat launch sites along the Bow and Elbow rivers as part of a new River Access Strategy.

The strategy, which could cost up to $7.7 million if fully implemented, would increase the number of official boat launch sites on the Bow River to 24 up from the three the river currently has.

Coun. Shane Keating said improving river access will benefit pedestrians and casual river users as well as the boating, fishing and rafting companies that use the city's waterways.

"The idea is to make it as safe as possible," Keating told theCalgary Eyeopener. "We want to make sure that when people are there and they're enjoying the afternoon, they're doing it in the right, responsiblemanner."

A city report identifies 24 potential sites along the Bow for trailer launches, hand launches and designatedwading areas.

Six ofthem are considered "high-priority" sites, including:

• Two additional ramps and a fishing pieratScenic Bow Road N.W. under Stoney Trail N.W.
• Stairs and a garbage receptacle along Memorial Drive at 3rd Street N.W.
• New boat ramps at both the InglewoodBridge and Ogden Bridge.

There are many unofficial launches along the Bow the river is publicly accessible, sosomeone could technically put their raft in anywhere. But that can be dangerous, both to rafters and the environment, Keating said.

The $1.7 million proposed for the high-priority sites includes $20,000 for educational signage.

"We're trying to make sure that not only are you safe when you get inand it's the right location due to the flow and the current, but you're also not harming the environment," Keating said.

City administration will present the strategy to the Community and Protective Services committee on Wednesday.

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