(Cochrane, AB) – Starting mid-May 2025, The Town of Cochrane will begin riverbank rehabilitation work at Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park. This important project focuses on protecting the long-term environmental health of the Bow River riverbank and follows recommendations from an environmental assessment completed by external consultant, EDS Group.
“Two years ago, we commissioned a detailed study to better understand the environmental conditions of the park,” says Michelle Delorme, Director of Parks and Active Living. “The assessment confirmed notable erosion along the riverbank and recommended targeted remediation. Council reviewed the findings and approved this essential work last year. We’d like to thank residents for their patience and continued support as we carry out this work, and for helping us protect the riverbank by respecting the fenced-off areas and allowing nature the time it needs to recover.”
The project will address ongoing erosion along approximately 485 metres of the Bow River riverbank. Work will begin at the park’s west end, near the River Avenue parking lot and move eastward.
From mid-May through mid-June, contractors will install natural stabilization measures, and native vegetation, to help restore and protect the riverbank. Temporary fencing will be in place to protect new plantings and support natural regeneration. The overall impact on park users is expected to be minimal. Parking will not be affected, and the pathway and off-leash dog area will remain open throughout the duration of the work. Visitors are asked to follow posted signage and stay within designated areas to support the project’s success.
The 10-acre Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park, located along the Bow River, is one of Cochrane’s most visited and cherished green spaces. With its walking and cycling trails, open green spaces, and designated off-leash dog zone, the park plays a vital role in supporting outdoor recreation and community well-being. This rehabilitation project is intended to help ensure the park remains a vibrant, accessible, and environmentally sustainable space for both residents and the natural ecosystem for years to come. To support these outcomes, the site will be monitored throughout the season to track progress and promote long-term ecological health.
For more information on this project, visit Cochrane.ca/uffelmann