Calgary River Users Association, Alberta Whitewater Association and Paddle Alberta oppose the City of Calgary’s closure of the Graves Bridge boat launch for fly-fishing driftboats and the restriction of canoe/kayak groups to use Bowness Park to teach fundamental paddling skills.
The City of Calgary website shows only 7 locations on the Bow or Elbow Rivers where Calgarians can access the water legally. Now they are closing the only public boat launch for trailered boats in the city and one of the most important educational sites for teaching canoeing and kayaking to groups.
The City of Calgary Bylaw 20m2003 restricts Calgarians from accessing any waterway in Calgary without the direct permission of the Director of Parks. This includes wading, swimming or launching a raft/canoe/kayak. This is a violation of Calgarians federal navigation rights and freedoms. In a World Class City with a World Class River that Calgarians love, why is the City reducing the number of places to get onto the river ?
See attached New Release for further information.Â
Â
