K-Country expansion to enhance tourism, recreation

Kananaskis Country is getting a multimillion-dollar expansion to help increase recreation and tourism in the area.

The provincial government announced Thursday it’s investing $5.2 million in the redevelopment of Bow Valley Provincial Park ahead of its 40th anniversary.

The redevelopment aims to continue to enhance the river as a “world-class destination for water-based recreation” while protecting the region’s conservation values, wildlife and supporting commercial tourism opportunities.

“I’m proud to say this plan will ensure K-Country remains a global destination that lives up to the legacy and vision of the late premier Peter Lougheed,” said Shannon Phillips, minister of environment and parks.

Projects along a six-kilometre span from Canoe Meadows to the Lower and Upper Barrier Lake day-use areas, including the visitor centre and Widowmaker dayuse area, will be supported by the funding.

“There will be formalized river access points and trails, a new walking tent camping route, improvements to parking lots, upgrades to shelters, picnic tables and fire pit,” said Phillips.

There will also be increased support for whitewater training and water sport equipment rentals.

The Alberta Whitewater Association is applauding the investment into sport, recreation and tourism infrastructure in the area.

I’m proud to say this plan will ensure K-Country remains a global destination.

“The Alberta Whitewater Association is very excited to see Alberta Parks Lower Kananaskis River Redevelopment Plan,” said executive director Chuck Lee.

“This will enhance the landbased day-use and campground facilities and bring these important components up to the worldclass standards that the AWA has created in the river.”

There will be improvements made to the trails that will support visitors with limited mobility and signage to improve wayfinding, provide ecological education and boost safety.

As well, to protect wildlife, development will be focused on humanuse closer to the river and away from Highway 40.

“We want to give wildlife as much space as possible to navigate the area without running into vehicles or people as they move along the highway,” said Phillips.

“We’re also resurfacing this highway. Highway 40 has a number of public safety enhancements to it, as well, including a turning lane at Canoe Meadows because it’s a very busy and popular area.”

Construction will be implemented in phases, with redevelopment starting next spring and continuing through 2021.