Calgary River Users Alliance (CRUA) has been in negotiation with both Calgary Parks Department and Alberta Environment and Parks since Harvie Passage was completed in 2018 to find a solution to improved riverbank access. Since the project’s inception 20 years ago vehicle access and parking assignments have been considered fundamental to recreational use of the whitewater park while meeting the need to protect local residents from increase vehicle traffic in Inglewood.
Although all government agencies are in agreement that Harvie Passage vehicle access needs improvement, it has been difficult to come to a consensus on the best solution. Various proposals have been presented to both the City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta, but to date have all be rejected. During our engagement with Calgary Parks Department it became clear that the best option was for a roadway access along the southern perimeter of Pearce Estate Park was being rejected by Bow Habitat Station, the leaseholder and joint developer of the City of Calgary owned park. With this in mind CRUA compile the report Harvie Passage – Roadway Access Needs Resolution and sent the document together with a request to the Alberta Environment and Parks Minister the Honorable Jason Nixon to find a solution to the impasse. The Minister response has move our agenda to the Harvie Passage Joint Management Working Group comprising of both GoA and City of Calgary agencies. CRUA is also a member of the group with appointees consulted on recreational river use. Hopefully we will see movement on a resolution to improved Harvie Passage Access soon.
Moving forward:
Improvements in Harvie Passage access are dependent on a district development plan with appropriate funds being made available to integrated recreational river use into the local community. CRUA will continue to advance this objective with Calgary Parks Department.