The tension surrounded an approved plan to change the West Bow River Pathway, a multi-use gravel path that runs along the south side of the river. The changes include widening the path to at least 3.5 metres, realigning several sections and replacing two of the bridges.
The trail was approved during budget deliberations in December 2021. Construction is expected in 2023.
The Council had received letters from the group, calling themselves Friends of the Path, asking questions about the planned changes.
In an information packet sent to the city council on October 24, the group explained its concerns about the plan.
A screenshot from the Bow River Pathway Conceptual Design document shows the scope of the Town of Canmore’s improvement project. (City of Canmore)
Some of their concerns include safety around a large paved trail for a mix of users, impact on wildlife, changing the character of Canmore’s laid-back mountain atmosphere, and amenity for people jogging and walking.
“We know what e-bikes are capable of … when the trail is aligned and paved,” said Elizabeth Jennings. “It’s going to be high-speed chaos.”
One of the things Nancy Pon hopes to see is a public hearing on this issue.
“What good does it do them to lock up people like us because they just want to get something done, hoping we’ll eventually see the wisdom of their ways without public input,” Pon said. “It’s very upsetting.”
Commitment completed, project already approved
However, Mayor Sean Krausert said that plan had public input during the 2018 Comprehensive Transportation Plan update and is not a project that warrants a public hearing or further engagement. “The city’s public engagement policy says this is an informational type of public engagement,” Krausert said. “If your pavement has needed replacement over time, you’ll be notified that your pavement is going to be replaced. This is a trail that’s there and it’s going to be, it’s going to be improved.” At the meeting, Krausert answered the group’s questions contained in the letters, but several residents in the council chamber were not satisfied — interjecting with more questions and statements. Chief administrative officer Sally Caudill told Krausert that if the RCMP needed to be called, that’s what they should do.
The RCMP were eventually called
Bev Service, with the trail group, approached the mayor with a petition she said contained nearly 1,700 signatures, and Krausert asked her to submit it to the administration. The boos from the audience continued and then several shouted that the mayor should call the RCMP. One resident, Rob Jennings, said he was shocked by the council’s unwillingness to listen. The mayor replied. “Sir, well, you can be shocked. The fact is, democracy worked. We had the process, we had the public commitment just — just because you missed it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen,” Krausert said. “I’m going to have to ask you to leave now, please.” The group left the rooms and two RCMP officers showed up, but the situation did not escalate.
