Calgary residents advocate to reopen the historic Douglas Fir Trail in Edworthy Park, closed for years due to erosion, as frustration grows over delays
Calgary Group Pushes for Reopening of Douglas Fir Trail
A group of outdoor enthusiasts in Calgary is urging the city to reopen the historic Douglas Fir Trail. This popular route in Edworthy Park has been partially closed for years due to erosion concerns.
The trail features steep slopes, narrow pathways, and some of the oldest trees in Calgary. It has faced intermittent closures for nearly a decade. Many residents feel that the “temporary” restrictions are now permanent.
Mike Bracko, curator of the Save Douglas Fir Trail group, expressed his concerns. “This does feel permanent to me because it’s been going on for nine years,” he said. “There’s a large group of people in the city who want to keep the trail open, who want to stop this kind of craziness that’s going on with the fences and the signs.”
Bracko noted that frustration is growing among regular park users. Some have begun flipping over closure signs in protest. “Almost every time I come down here on the trail, I see signs that are turned over… people are sick of them,” he said.
The City of Calgary states that the closure is necessary due to ongoing slope instability and erosion. Officials have no plans to permanently shut down the trail but admit that repairs have been slow.
Amir Wazir, the city’s geotechnical engineering leader, said, “The trail is closed temporarily. We want to fix it.” He added, “We are as passionate as any advocacy group or passionate users.”
Wazir emphasized the city’s goal: “We want to open up the trail. We want to fix it with a higher standard though, with some design life in mind, and then open it up for the public.”
City staff mentioned that the next step is to secure funding for the required stabilization work. Once funding is available, officials plan to present finalized designs to the public for consultation on the trail’s future.
Until then, the Douglas Fir Trail remains closed. A timeline on the city’s website indicates that the “timing is still to be determined” for the trail’s reopening date.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Edworthy Park, Calgary |
| Trail Status | Partially closed |
| Closure Duration | Nearly a decade |
| City Official | Amir Wazir |
| Group Name | Save Douglas Fir Trail |
| Next Steps | Secure funding for repairs |
| Reopening Timeline | To be determined |
