On September 20th, Shannon Phillips, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Parks visited the Barrier Visitor Centre to publicly announce the release of the Lower Kananaskis River-Barrier Redevelopment Plan. The Alberta government will be investing $5.2 million into a redevelopment plan that will cover a 6-km span from Canoe Meadows to the Upper and Lower Barrier Lake day use areas along Highway 40.
The redevelopment aims to continue to enhance the river as a world-class destination for water-based recreation while protecting the region’s conservation values, wildlife and supporting commercial tourism opportunities.
“Kananaskis Country holds a special place in the hearts of Albertans,’ said Phillips.
“By investing in important improvements to recreation, we are ensuring future generations of Alberta families can continue exploring the outdoors and making new memories”.
“As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, I’m proud to say this plan will ensure K-Country remains a global destination that lives up to the legacy and vision of the late Premier Peter Lougheed.”
Construction is set to begin in the spring of 2019 and will be completed in phases. The projects, which are outlined below, are scheduled to be completed by 2021.
Canoe Meadows day-use area:
– Expansion of parking area
– Creation of a new camping area with walk-in tenting sites
– Upgrades to existing campground
– Establishing a trail and river-put in for visitors with limited mobility
– Building two open-air change rooms
– Installing gear drying racks in the day-use area
Barrier Lake visitor centre:
– Expansion of parking area
– Creation of a river surger staging area complete with surf board rack and picnic area
– Construction of a heated change room
Barrier Lake day-use area:
– Construction of a hand boat launch with road access
– Construction of a water sport equipment rental hut (privately managed)
– Expansion of parking area
The Friends of Kananaskis Country value how this plan incorporates recreational needs and opportunities, ecological integrity, and collaborative stakeholder involvement. These improvements will create water-based recreational experiences that will enhance Kananaskis Country.
For more information regarding the redevelopment plan click HERE.
Year Two of the Chester-Sawmill Project