Significant public access improvements will soon be underway to the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park and the City of Calgary’s Haskayne Legacy Park, helping to build upon the long-time vision of the Harvie and Haskayne families and others.

Today it was announced a collaborative agreement has been reached that provides for increased visitation and is a further step to being included as part of the TransCanada Trail.

The project, slated to be completed in mid-2023, is the result of a collaborative effort of landowner Pauli (Harvie) Smith, Dick and Lois Haskayne, the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF), the City of Calgary, and Rocky View County (RVC).

In addition, Smith and the Haskaynes have entered into arrangements with the GRPF that will see about 150 acres of land adjacent to the new road allowance acquired by the foundation along with an adjacent easement that will provide for a future additional connection of the two parks on the north side of the CPR tracks.

The arrangement is to be funded by donations from the Haskaynes and Smith and is subject to certain conditions being met prior to closing.

“Our family vision in creating Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park was to inspire people to a higher level of environmental stewardship by visiting these lands, says Smith. "These latest efforts by all involved help advance the achievement of that vision,” she said.

Dick Haskayne says he and his wife are thrilled that the Haskayne Legacy Park edges closer to fruition.

"The dream, long held by Lois and myself that the magnificent lands stretching from the City of Calgary’s western limits, will adjoin the Glenbow Ranch Park and be connected by the TransCanada Trail. Well, it just couldn’t get any better than that!"

GRPF executive director Michelle Delorme says the foundation is working with Alberta Parks in developing a new management plan for the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park and looks forward to working with the Town of Cochrane on a pedestrian bridge connection in the west end of the park, believing it to be the next logical step in expanding visitor experience.

“We are thrilled that our neighbouring friends and stakeholders are making the dream that the Haskayne family, the Harvie family, and our foundation have shared, namely open access to both parks connected by the Trans Canada Trail, a reality."

RVC mayor Crystal Kissel talked about its many merits.

“We look forward to partnering with the City of Calgary, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, and the Harvie and Haskayne families," she said. "This connection will support recreation, safety, and ease of movement. Rocky View County is proud to be part of a project that will bring significant and long-standing benefits to the community."

Kyle Ripley, Calgary's parks and open spaces director, says the city is excited about the improved access it will provide.

"Providing connections to nature and greenspace is a priority for the City of Calgary and it is extremely appreciated and valued by Calgarians and the surrounding communities.”