In a move aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and promoting active transportation, a Calgary councillor is championing the development of an intermunicipal pathway network that would link the city to its neighboring communities. Ward 3 Councillor Andrew Yule is bringing a notice of motion to an upcoming executive committee meeting, calling for a feasibility study to establish cycling and walking routes from Calgary to Airdrie and Cochrane.
Proposal for Enhanced Regional Connectivity
Councillor Yule emphasized the importance of creating pathways that go beyond local communities, fostering connections between municipalities. He highlighted that while a cycling path already exists between Calgary and Chestermere along the Western Irrigation District's canal, there is a significant gap in similar infrastructure to Airdrie and Cochrane. Yule argued that the recent formation of a new regional table presents an ideal opportunity for intermunicipal collaboration on such projects.
Focus on Nose Creek and Bow River Corridors
The motion specifically requests that the City of Calgary work with interested regional partners to explore potential alignments for pathways along two key corridors: the Nose Creek corridor between Calgary and Airdrie, and the Bow River corridor between Calgary and Cochrane. Yule, who previously served as president of the Nose Creek Preservation Society, noted that the idea of a multimodal pathway connecting Calgary and Airdrie has been a recurring topic in community discussions.
He stated, "I think it's about that connectivity between, not just communities, but municipalities. We're definitely on these islands of communities separated by major roadways. It also pushes the discussion I've been trying to push of how we make the Nose Creek Valley more of an intermunicipal parkway at the same time."
Support and Previous Efforts
The motion has garnered support from Mayor Jeromy Farkas and Ward 4 Councillor DJ Kelly, who are co-sponsoring it. Mayor Farkas expressed his backing for the initiative, underscoring its potential benefits for regional integration and sustainable transportation. However, this is not the first time such a project has been considered. In 2021, the City of Airdrie and Rocky View County co-funded a feasibility study for a similar pathway, but the project was shelved in spring 2023 due to budgetary constraints.
Yule remains optimistic, citing the new regional table as a catalyst for reviving these discussions. "The new round table we have is a great opportunity to bring some of this stuff back onto the table," he said. "If we start there, the possibilities are endless on how we can connect our municipalities through other ways, other than just roads."
Next Steps and Technical Review
The notice of motion will undergo a technical review next week before being presented to the city council for a vote later in March. If approved, it could pave the way for detailed planning and potential implementation of the pathway network, aligning with broader goals of environmental sustainability and community health through active transportation options.
