Calgary to consider new pathway network linking Airdrie, Cochrane

A proposal to build an intermunicipal pathway system connecting Calgary with Airdrie and Cochrane is headed to city council next week, with the mayor already signalling his support and suggesting the network could become a regional tourism draw.

The plan would expand on an existing pathway between Calgary and Chestermere, creating a continuous route for cyclists and pedestrians across several neighbouring municipalities.

Farkas has called the idea a chance to build a “world‑class regional amenity” that encourages active transportation and showcases natural areas surrounding the city.

Cyclist Max Mullin says those natural areas are often overlooked.

“When people come to Calgary, I think a lot of the focus is on Banff and Kananaskis, and these mountain parks, and a lot of people don’t recognize the value we have with the small‑scale provincial parks, with the grassland parks in this area,” he said.

But the current ride between Calgary and Cochrane is far from ideal. In northwest Calgary, between Tuscany and Bearspaw, riders face a difficult stretch with no safe connection.

Some riders say they’ve been forced to trespass behind a fence into a rail yard to avoid riding on the shoulder of Crowchild Trail.

A year‑round cyclist, Mullin avoids the Cochrane trip altogether because of the safety concerns.

“It’s a win‑win for riders and for drivers,” he said about the potential pathway network. “It makes for a safer road experience, and a safer riding experience.”

He notes that the pathway to Chestermere is far more popular because it keeps cyclists off the highway, though he believes a proper route to Cochrane would offer significantly better scenery.

At Bike and Brew in Bridgeland, manager Kate Orenstein says the proposed connections could also strengthen community ties. The shop runs a cycling club in the warmer months, and she believes riders from Airdrie and Cochrane would be more likely to join if they could bike into the city safely.

“We have a bike club that people in Airdrie would be more capable of being a part of during the summer because they would be able to cycle back and forth rather than driving their car,” she said.

Orenstein adds that improved pathways would make active transportation more accessible overall, opening the door for more people to bike commute or explore the region.