First off, thank you for your patience as Alberta Parks and TransAlta resolved issues of access and safety of the Lower Kananaskis River after the recent floods. We are pleased to tell you that the Lower Kananaskis River is reopened and you may resume regular business. Please exercise caution on area trails and access points as there are a lot of changes and ground may be unstable along the banks.
In the past few days, we have resolved the following issues:
Access:
As of July 2, 2013, the Ministerial Order (MO) 10/13 pursuant to Section 13(1) of the Provincial Parks Act will replace Ministerial Order 9/13 pursuant to Section 13(1) of the Provincial Parks Act. This will increase access to experiences in the Kananaskis Valley by moving the Highway 40 roadblock south to Wedge Pond. Some day use sites in the valley remain closed for public safety reasons. Check www.albertaparks.ca for details.
Safety:
The Lower Kananaskis River Users Association and the Alberta Whitewater Association did an incredible job cleaning up the river, in particular the race course cables and gates that were washed downstream. They are confident that they have removed all the hazards they can.
TransAlta is still working to resolve issues related to safety of the Barrier Dam and Horseshoe Dam. Barrier Dam Day Use remains closed due to safety concerns around the dam. At Seebe, TransAlta has deployed a security officer 24/7 to warn boaters that the safety boom downstream of the CPR bridge and Bailey Bridge is compromised.
We hope the weather remains hot and sunny and we will spread the word that the public can partake of your experiences.
Sincerely,
Christian Héry
B. Comm., M.A.
Marketing Consultant
Parks Division
