McKInnon Flats Closure – September 01, 2020

McKInnon Flats Closure – September 01, 2020

Press Release from Alberta Environment & Parks:

McKinnon Flats is an important site for Bow River access as well as providing nature based experiences. Alberta Environment and Parks will upgrade the McKinnon Flats road in 2020 to increase safe access to the site. Construction will begin on August 31 and continue through until late November.

The project involves the following:

  • Constructing access road upgrades (two dedicated gravel lanes including appropriate water management features and signage).
  • Decommissioning and restoring abandoned parts of the existing access road.

As part of the environmental review for the Project, Alberta Environment & Parks conducted a site assessment for McKinnon Flats to gather background information on environmental topics. Due to environmental windows related to key wildlife biodiversity zones, migratory bird restrictions and migratory periods for Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes, Alberta Environment & Parks proposed fall construction to avoid impacts to most species. A fall window disrupts the wildlife the least while providing a stable weather period for optimal construction.

Vehicle Access Closure

The McKinnon Flats road will be CLOSED to vehicle access during construction (from August 31 to November). Vehicle access to the site from Range Road 274 will not be possible for the duration of construction. River users may access the site from the Bow River as a stop over point during their trip to use the facilities, however, there will not be vehicle access to the boat launch.

Please use alternative public vehicle access points for the Bow River including Policeman’s Flats, Legacy Island and Johnson’s Island.

McKinnon Flats Road Upgrade Project_FAQs

Construction Updates will be posted on Alberta Parks Advisories