Administration at the RancheHouse provided an update on the replacement of four pedestrian bridges in Glenbow and the paving of a 3-metre-wide pathway between the Historic Ranche and Glenbow park at the committee of the whole meeting on April 2.
The Historic Ranche and Glenbow pathway improvement project is proposed to improves connections from the community of Sunset Ridge, Cochrane Ranche, Glenbow, and the Bow River.
The goal is to create accessible pathways for users of all abilities to enjoy, while also solving some critical issues including pathway maintenance and preservation of these natural spaces.
Michelle Delorme, manager of community services for the Town of Cochrane, outlined that council and administration will remain committed to ensuring community connectivity, as these projects play a vital role in addressing some of the challenges that pathway users may experience.
“Investing in the bridges and pathways will ensure that this beloved space can continue to be utilized year-round by a variety of users for many years to come,” Delorme said.
In March 2022, town council endorsed administration to put forward a $770,400 grant application through the Active Transportation Fund. Following grant approval, an examination of Glenbow and Cochrane Ranche took place, which identified the need to repair the Glenbow pedestrian bridges.
This resulted in the lifecycle of four bridges in Glenbow and the paving of a three-metre-wide pathway through Glenbow Park and the Historic Ranche being brought to council as one project, as work is planned to happen at the same time.
Work is anticipated to start in July and is planned in phases to minimize disruptions to pathway users, wildlife, and the environment. The Town assures that significant progress has been made, with detailed planned focused on minimizing the environmental impact on park streams.
The project plan was approved through the Public Lands Act and environment assessments were conducted, which includes a fish habitat assessment and a vegetation survey. Additionally, Indigenous consultation, a historical impact assessment application, and a navigable waters application have also been completed.
During construction, Glenbow park and Historic Ranche pathways will be closed. Pedestrian detours will be in place, and the Glenbow playground and tennis courts will also be closed.
The total project cost fro the bidge replacement and pathway paving is $3 million, with $670,000 covered by the grant and $1.76 million from reserves.
Due to the project’s requirements, council will bring forward a request for $610,210.75 in additional funds to complete both project at the April 22 regular meeting of council. The funds will be used to support adjustments in project timelines, compliance requirements with the Historical Resources Act, as well as inflationary factors.
With $670,000 heading towards the paving project, $100,400 of the grant will be allocated to the installation of wayfinding signage, maps, and multimodal markers to help residents and visitors navigate the community.
The wayfinding project will be brought forward in 2025, in accordance with the timeline of the grant to have all projects completed by the end of 2025.
“When work began on this project last year, we received feedback from area residents with concerns about the removal of trees or alteration of the natural landscape,” added Delorme. “We’ve developed a more robust communications strategy to help the community to understand the goal of this investment in our parks and pathways, as well as to speak to how we are committed to ensuring the preservation of the natural environment. And we welcome the opportunity to continue these conversations at the upcoming capital projects open house.”
Residents are invited to attend the Capital Projects Open House on April 11 at the Station from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. to learn more about the project. A second open house will take place on April 13 at the SLS Centre from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Anyone looking for additional information can find more information about the project by visiting http://www.cochrane.ca/pathwayimprovement. Additional opportunities to learn more about the project will take place at the Spring Trade Show on May 4 and 5 at the SLS Centre, and the Town of Cochrane and United Way BBQ on June 21 at the Station.
