I’m a bit late to the party, having been AWOL for so long, but feel it’s important to mention that the Government of Alberta (GoA) is gathering feedback until July 22nd for the development of the new Canmore Area Trails Strategy (CATS). The strategy will establish an integrated recreational trail system across Crown land within the Bow Valley. The public feedback survey can be found here.

According to GoA, the strategy is designed “to address growing demand for trails in the Canmore area, providing world-renowned recreational opportunities while protecting local wildlife and conserving habitat. This engagement will contribute to a Crown land trails plan for the area and also support an update to the trails plan for the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park.”

Input from trail users, as well as ongoing consultation with an advisory group including Indigenous communities and organizations, leaseholders, area landowners and local community organizations, will support “improved recreational infrastructure and services in the Canmore area and the Bow Valley, ensuring that local trails may be enjoyed now and for years to come.”

In addition to the public survey, there’s also an opportunity to use an interactive map to identify trail-related issues, such as a lack of parking, a lack of signage, the need for toilets, etc. The interactive map can be found here.

The Canmore Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) and the Bow Valley Climbers Access Society are among local groups promoting engagement with the CATS process and survey. Laura Quelch, the executive director of CAMBA has said that CATS is “crucial for enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities while preserving the area’s natural environment.” The strategy will “streamline trail development and management, ensuring responsible practices and diverse trail offerings that meet the community’s needs.”