The term “game-changing” echoed often at Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation’s annual report to the community, held May 9 at The Links of Gleneagles—an apt summary of a transformative year for the park and the people fighting to preserve it.
“There’s a lot of exciting stuff going on right here in our backyard, and it’s a great time to be a part of it,” said Jeromy Farkas, CEO of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.
That excitement is well-earned. Since its designation in 2008, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park has become a cornerstone of conservation, education, and heritage in the region. Most recently, it overcame a major threat: a provincial proposal to flood 30 per cent of its lands for flood and drought mitigation. After public outcry and dedicated advocacy, the Alberta government scrapped the plan last year and opted instead to modernize the Ghost Dam.
“We’re so grateful for the community support—especially the advocacy to protect the park,” said Farkas. “The community stepped up in a big way, and together we found a solution that not only saved the park but also better protects Cochrane and Calgary from future floods. That’s the definition of a win-win.”
The successful campaign to protect the park was one of the first major efforts led by Farkas after he assumed the CEO role in October 2023. But as he prepares to run for Calgary mayor in the upcoming municipal election, he announced he will step down from the role at the end of May. The Foundation’s board chair, Georg Paffrath, will step in as interim CEO.
“It’s been an incredible honour to serve as CEO and work alongside such a passionate team, board, and community,” said Farkas. “Glenbow Ranch is such a special place, with a bright future, and I remain committed to supporting that work however I can.”
That future includes one particularly ambitious goal: connecting the park to the TransCanada Trail, creating a continuous trail route from Calgary to Cochrane, and eventually the Rocky Mountains.
“One day soon, Calgary will be connected all the way to the Rockies through Cochrane,” said Farkas. “It’s going to be an amazing opportunity—but we need to prepare now for the increase in visitation that will come with it.”
Part of that preparation includes creating a presence on the south side of the Bow River, effectively establishing a "front door" to the park from the Cochrane side. That proposal will be formally brought before Cochrane Town Council on May 20.
“We know there’s a great need for a trailhead or entrance near Cochrane,” said Farkas. “We’re asking for the Town’s blessing and a seat at the table.”
Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung voiced support for the park’s vision.
“Their idea for a front entrance on Cochrane’s side shows we have to be prepared,” said Genung. “It’s something we have to do a really good job stewarding on our end.”
While the park looks to the future, it also honours its roots. Glenbow Ranch remains one of the few provincial parks in Canada with an active ranching operation, a tradition dating back more than a century.
“Not many people know that,” said Farkas. “It’s part of what makes this place so unique.”
The foundation is now working on a renewal project to upgrade corrals, improve fencing, and enhance water security—all critical infrastructure to preserve the park’s agricultural heritage.
“This is central to our stewardship of the land, to our educational offerings, and really, it’s part of the spark that makes this place special,” said Farkas.
Education remains a cornerstone of the park’s mandate. More than 10,000 students visit Glenbow Ranch annually through various field trips and programs. One popular offering is Running with the Ranchers, a partnership with Alberta Beef Producers that teaches K–5 students about the farm-to-fork journey.
“This program is hands-on, it’s practical, and it’s an experience you just can’t replicate in a classroom,” said Farkas.
To further that mission, the park is preparing to launch an Outdoor Leadership School in partnership with the Calgary Board of Education. The pilot program will allow students to move their classroom to the park for a week at a time to study ecology, ranching, and environmental stewardship in a more immersive way.
“For many of these kids, it’s their first time seeing livestock—or even the mountains,” Farkas said. “That’s how we know we’re doing something special.”
The community report wrapped with heartfelt gratitude for the many people and partners who continue to support the park’s vision.
“We’re so thankful for our volunteers, our stewards, our donors—everyone who has worked so hard to make this all possible,” said Farkas. “We can’t take it for granted. There’s a lot of work ahead, but with the community by our side, there’s so much more we can achieve.”
