NW Calgary community hit with locked fence and no trespassing signs, closing green space

Calgary’s northwest community of Evanston has a new locked gate and no trespassing signs blocking off an area of green space where community members and their dogs would frequently enjoy walks, many leaving residents confused and upset.

“Yeah, I was kind of shocked,” one man told CityNews. “I don’t understand why they put the fence there. It’s been open for so, so long.”

“Yeah, I’m disappointed that it’s closed and we’ve really had no notice,” a woman added.

Another man said people have been taking walks in the area for two decades.

A resident of the area says no one seems to know why the green space is suddenly closed.

The greenspace behind the homes was used recreationally by most in the area. But, the area is a transportation utility corridor, run by the province, which says the fence was put up for safety reasons.

However, the province says it understands why people might be frustrated.

“I mean this isn’t just used for pets; I mean there are kids that ride their bikes back there, and people go for runs and walks,” a resident said. “It’s a multi-use area.”

Alberta’s Department of Infrastructure says in a statement that the fence is permanent and was installed in addition to ‘no trespassing’ signs to prevent unauthorized use of the transportation utility corridor.

Some people, however, are taking a stance, and still finding their way into the pathway.

“”We’re all coming in through other exits, and you know, that’s just the way it’s going to be, I guess. until we’re written tickets,” a man told CityNews.

“I’m just engaging in some civil disobedience.”