We are improving pathway connections through Cochrane to provide more inclusive access between the Historic Ranche, Glenbow and the Bow River.
This project includes paving nearly 3 km of pathways in Glenbow and the Historic Cochrane Ranche, as well as replacement of four pedestrian bridges in Glenbow park, and new signage throughout the park space.
About the project
Cochrane is committed to creating a connected community for all ages and abilities to enjoy. In March 2022, Council endorsed an application to purse the Active Transportation Fund as a way to improve access between the Historic Ranche, Glenbow and the Bow River.
Upon securing the grant approval, our Parks team began to explore Glenbow and the Cochrane Ranche to better to understand what this project might look like.
Through the discovery phase, we identified a pressing need to revitalize the Glenbow bridges. While initially we were considering widening the pathway to 4 metres, Administration recognized that to accommodate this a significant number of trees would need to be removed. As a result, Administration reconsidered the goals of this project and will now be extending the pathway to 3 metres.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada.
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Construction timelines
Summer - Winter 2024
How does this project benefit the community?
Increased community connectivity and care for our open spaces and natural areas.
Strategic alignment
This project supports the 2022-2025 Strategic priority of protecting, nurturing and enjoying our natural landscape, creating a vibrant and active community with connected neighbourhoods and bringing people together physically and socially.
The $3M budget includes an allocation of $1.2M for the Glenbow bridge life cycling project, in addition to paving the pathway.
Efforts will be made to minimize tree removal, with a focus on addressing those at the end of their lifecycle that require removal. Cochrane's Parks department will also replace trees that were removed in the area.
Once we asphalt, the pathway is maintained year round by Cochrane's Parks department. The asphalt will also be cleared within 48 hours of a snow event, and material is applied for traction if needed. An asphalt trail provides more opportunities for all ages and abilities to enjoy it year-round and is also less expensive than shale to maintain. From an environmental perspective, asphalt also has less erosion entering the creek from the shale.
The Glenbow pathway project area is home to a variety of important species such as wandering garter snakes, pileated woodpeckers, mountain suckers, brown trout, belted kingfishers, peregrine falcons and many more. Extensive environmental assessments have been conducted to minimize disruption to the area's vegetation, wildlife and watercourses. Environmental assessments were conducted to identify sensitive features such has wildlife, native vegetation, and habitat. Multiple measures will be taken during sensitive wildlife windows, such as monitoring and removing vegetation prior to nesting.
Shale is expensive and as a result we replenish the ball diamonds only when necessary. There is no suitable alternative material for ball diamonds.
We spot treat areas along our pathways and only apply de-icing when and where it is required. In addition, with the paved trail there will be less red shale entering the creek.
Asphalt has a minor grade that helps water run off easily from the surface. Asphalt also doesn't erode making it less muddy and inaccessible. It will also stop red shale from getting into the creek when it rains or snows.
While we initially were considering widening the pathway to 4 metres, during the review, Administration recognized that to accommodate this, a significant number of trees would need to be removed. Administration reconsidered the goals of this project and will now be doing a 3 metre wide pathway.
We will be using root barrier along the pathway where required to prevent roots from damaging the asphalt.
Paving will make the ground harder, but it will also reduce the amount of red shale that gets washed into the creek when it rains. As the existing path is just being resurfaced, paving won't disturb the nearby plants, and any plants that are removed will be put back after the work is done. The new bridges will also be longer, so they won't be as close to the edge of the stream.
Currently the speed limit on our pathways is 20km. We do have an opportunity to relook at speed limits on pathways as we update our bicycle bylaw.
Paving to asphalt means that all ages and abilities can enjoy the trail including young families with strollers, individuals using wheelchairs or children learning to ride bikes. It fosters a healthier lifestyle in our picturesque environment, spurs economic growth by supporting local businesses, reduces traffic congestion, attracts eco-conscious tourism, and helps preserve our natural beauty.
The pedestrian bridges were chosen for their rustic, back-country aesthetic inspired by Parks Canada. A truss design featuring timber planks and steel rails was selected to ensure compliance with safety and building codes. All bridges will support half-ton truck loads and facilitate maintenance, prioritizing durability with steel components expected to last over 50 years.
