Alberta seeking public feedback on Canmore Area Trails Master Plan

The province is asking for feedback on a draft plan that could change how—and where—people use a popular trail network around Canmore.

Albertans are being asked to weigh in on the future of a popular trail network around Canmore.

The provincial government is seeking public feedback on the draft Canmore Area Trails Master Plan, which could change how—and where—people hike, bike, ski and recreate in the area.

Released in late November, the draft plan is now open for public engagement, with a survey and an interactive mapping tool allowing trail users to submit comments and suggestions tied to specific routes or areas.

Senior planner Peggy Holroyd with Alberta Forestry and Parks says about half of all trail users in the Canmore area come from Calgary, making broad provincial feedback critical.

“We want feedback from Calgarians,” Holroyd said.

“We want feedback from people across Alberta, as well as local residents on the trails and the trail network.”

The draft plan focuses on better balancing human recreation with the protection of sensitive wildlife habitat.

One of the key strategies proposed is bundling trails together to create a more efficient network while also decommissioning several hundred kilometres of unofficial trails.

According to the province, removing those informal routes could help create human-free wildlife corridors and improve habitat conditions for local species.

“You’re providing more experiences but concentrating human use so you can allow for trail-free areas in the wildlife corridors and improve wildlife habitat,” Holroyd said.

The plan also outlines several proposed recreation opportunities, including a range of new enduro and mountain biking trails.

Laura Quelch, executive director of the Canmore and Area Mountain Biking Association, said she’s encouraged by how feedback from earlier consultations has been reflected in the draft.

“I’d say we’re really happy with the amount of feedback they’ve taken and are really finding a balanced approach for both wildlife and recreationalists,” she said.

“And the opportunity for this plan to be successful, I think, is high.”

She said her concerns centre on adding more details to the plan about wildlife monitoring and educating trail users.

The province has extended the public survey on the draft plan until Jan. 21, giving trail users additional time to review the proposals and submit their feedback.

A proposed implementation timeline and funding details for the plan have yet to be released.