Calgary to close road access to NW marina over safety concerns

Calgary city council has voted to close road access to the Bearspaw Marina in the northwest, citing public safety concerns.

The marina, located on the Bearspaw Reservoir, opened to the public last year and offers community members a place to take part in water activities.

Officials say they want to mitigate risk.

“I simply cannot vote in favour of something where we know that emergency response is lacking,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “We want to make sure we figure that out before we put anyone at risk and that we are taking care of the public we serve before we make decisions like this.

However, there are plans for a tri-lateral group to look for support for safe and appropriate water activities on the reservoir in locations where risk can be effectively mitigated.

Marina owner, Rick Skauge, is remaining defiant despite council’s decision.

“Rest assured, kids will be on the lake this coming weekend and they’ll continue to be on the lake until a lawsuit is engaged in by someone trying to keep us off the lake,” he said.

According to the marina, the closure will result in the loss of approximately 20 local jobs.