By Justin Goulet

Over $4 million being invested into upgrades in Kananaskis Country

Mar 25, 2022 | 1:30 PM

KANANASKIS COUNTRY, AB – The Government of Alberta is investing more than $4 million to upgrade one of the province’s most popular day-use areas.

Funding will be used to renovate and upgrade the Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek day-use areas in Kananaskis Country. The upgrades will address public safety issues and parking congestion while protecting the environment and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities.

Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon said, “the public transit and trail investments we’re making today are example 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.”

The province said that record-breaking numbers of visitors are exploring Kananaskis Country and with that, upgrades are needed to ensure the sustainability of some of the region’s more popular trails while conserving the landscape and protecting the environment.

The MLA for Banff-Kananaskis Miranda Rosin said, “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.”

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Supported by revenues from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, the province is also committing $994,000 to support a free regional transit initiative in partnership with the Town of Canmore. The new service aims to reduce barriers and allow more Albertans to experience the area.

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

Effective April 1, the Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek day-use areas will be under construction.

The project will:

• Expand and formalize the Grassi Lakes main parking lot
• Refurbish portions of the Grassi Lakes Trail
• Formalize the Grassi Lakes overflow parking lot
• Provide a road crossing and trail connection between the overflow and main lots
• Provide separation & washroom facilities between the climber’s lot and the Smith Dorrien Trail
• Expand and formalize the main Goat Creek parking lot
• Replace two bridges on Goat Creek Trail

With this work, trail closures will include:

• Grassi Lakes Trail
• Junkyard Trail
• Ha Ling Trail
• Miner’s Peak Trail
• Goat Creek Trail
• East End of Rundle Route
• Reclaimer Mountain Bike Trail
• Riders of Rohan Mountain Bike Trail
• Access to High Rockies Trail from Goat Creek

Climbing area closures will include:

• Grassi Lakes Climbing Area
• Ha Ling Climbing Area
• East End of Rundle Climbing Area

The Government of Alberta is expanding Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park as well.

In total, 610 acres will be incorporated into the park, helping to strengthen the protection of the wildlife corridor in the area.

READ MORE: Kananaskis Country Pass generates over $10 million since summer launch