Bragg Creek Trails is excited to announce that we will be paving the final 3.1 km this summer! The section of the TransCanada Trail (TCT) that leads from the Hamlet of Bragg Creek to the West Bragg Creek Trails in Kananaskis Country is a busy corridor of activity for many in the community. This stretch of the TCT provides a safe and scenic route for children to get to Banded Peak School, a safer alternative to a busy road, and an accessible pathway for everyone to get around the community of Bragg Creek.
Paving of the trail began in 2020 and after conducting public engagement in May of 2023 for the remaining 3.1 km section of trail along TR232 and Range Road 54, we were excited to see overwhelming support for the completion of the paving project. With 199 respondents the results of the TransCanada Trail Paving Survey show that 165 people are ready to hit the pavement, with 34 standing opposed. We heard a lot of support for the accessibility of the trails for children, seniors, families, and those with mobility challenges and the benefits of paving to reduce the season where it is too muddy or wet for trail users. We also received great feedback on how to improve the trail experience with attention to icy spots in the winter, environmental impacts and regular maintenance.
There were a number of comments requesting the TCT be extended directly to the West Bragg Parking Lot. The original concept plan was to build the WBC TCT directly to the WBCPL from RR54 along TR232. Unfortunately that proved to be impossible due to inadequate Right of Way being available to construct the trail. That is why the WBC TCT goes south along RR54 for 1.7 km and then connects to the Iron Creek trail in Kananaskis Country.
As we move forward, remember that the TransCanada Trail stands as a symbol of unity and the joy of exploration. Whether you prefer the melody of bird songs on natural terrain or the symphony of rubber soles on a paved path, let’s celebrate the multitude of ways we can experience the great outdoors together.
A special thank you to the Active Transportation Fund (Government of Canada), Rocky View County, the TransCanada Trails Foundation and the Community Facility Enhancement Program (Government of Alberta) for all of their financial support to complete this paving project.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this survey. Happy trails (paved or not)!
“I wanted to say thank you to you and your team who helped to get the paved bike trail. The bike racks used to only have 2 or 3 bikes 10 years ago. Thank you for helping to get our kids moving outdoors and fostering that love of the outdoors.”
