Alberta budget: Kananaskis Country getting $4M in upgrades for trails, climbing areas

Some popular trails and climbing areas in Kananaskis Country are getting a makeover.

The Alberta government says some popular trails and climbing areas in Kananaskis Country are being closed for the season for upgrades.

Record-breaking numbers of visitors are exploring K-Country and with increased visitation comes increased pressure on the landscape. That’s why Alberta is investing more than $4M to upgrade the popular Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek day use areas. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/B5iVnlrKJG

— Alberta Parks (@Albertaparks) March 25, 2022

The Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek Trails and day-use areas are just two of several that won’t open to allow for $4 million dollars in upgrades announced in budget 2022.

“We saw just recently 5.4 million visitors come to Kananaskis as many of you know in a year, which is more than Banff,” said Jason Nixon, the minister of environment and parks. “And one of the big things we are hearing from users of the park is about the limited parking options and some of the congestion.”

The province also announced Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park is being expanded by 610 acres.

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Nixon says it’s part of the budget for 2022.

“We are upgrading trails, parking lots, and other facilities in the areas to address public safety issues and park congestion while improving the visitor experience,” he said.

That means the Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek day-use areas and trails will be closed beginning April 1 until the end of the year.

Supported by revenues from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, Alberta is committing $994,000 to support a free regional transit initiative in partnership with the Town of Canmore. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/XAKl04p54a

— Alberta Parks (@Albertaparks) March 26, 2022

Nixon also says the province is partnering with Canmore for a new public transit initiative.

There are plans for transit between the Canmore and the Canmore Nordic Centre and the Grassi Lakes day area.

But that bus won’t start running until 2024.