“They say it’s very nice Then they put up a parking lot” (Joni Mitchel) In 2010, no thought was given to the potential impact the new West Bragg Creek Trail development plan would have on the Bragg Creek community, especially those living in West Bragg Creek. Since then the County of Rockyview has measured traffic increase of approximately 10 per cent to 15 per cent annually. Currently, an average of 340 cars access the trails every weekday and it is expected to grow. Alberta Environment and Parks is now considering increasing the size of the trail head parking lot from its current 180 spaces up to … 630 spaces to accommodate growing number of users, and facilitate the work of emergency workers called in to help injured users. West Bragg Creek trailhead is located at the end of a dead end “country residential” road and a rural community. With only one emergency exit via the Bragg Creek it is easy to imagine the chaos upward of 400 cars from sports enthusiasts and 1,400 cars from local residents would create as they hurry out the in the event of a forest fire or flood. Any issue associated with an evacuation could result in legal liability arising from a serious incident, or accident of any type. Has Alberta Parks or Rockyview County considered the ramifications and potential of such liabilities? The county’s traffic studies also documented the fact that more than 60 per cent of the vehicles speed. The rate of collisions with wildlife and pets is increasing. The incessant traffic along West Bragg Creek Road makes it difficult for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy their experience and for the residents to enjoy country living. Road noise is steadily increasing and becoming noxious. Overcrowding on the trails is leading to conflicts between different trail users, countering the initial intent of creating positive and healthy experiences in Kananaskis. The parking lot should be re-designed keeping in mind the bigger picture; the impact on wildlife in the park and along West Bragg Creek Road, the local residents and trail users. Many examples exist in provincial and national parks where parking is limited and overflow traffic is invited to go to nearby areas. Perhaps we can have an electronic display installed before coming in to Bragg Creek indicating “parking lot full” when the parking reaches capacity. This would help drivers plan alternate routes to nearby trails. It appears plans are in the works to renovate and increase the number of trails in Kananaskis along Highway 66 and Jumping Pound. Having new, better, diversified trails, and up to date trail signs and maps in those areas will encourage users to explore them and become a win-win for all. I urge MLA Cameron Westhead to work with Minister Shannon Phillips, and engage County of Rockyview and Bragg Creek community in meaningful conversations toward solutions that works for all. I am convinced we can find more elegant solutions than funneling a maximum number of cars through a residential area and into a dead end.
Renee Delorme
