For Steering Committee Chair Alex Baum, the moment a pair of ceremonial scissors slices through the ribbon marking the official start of Cochrane’s long-anticipated trail connection project will symbolize more than just an opening-- it will represent over a decade of passion, planning and partnership.
“It was our signature project that we took on years ago,” Baum said. “We've gone through speed bumps here and there, but boy is this going to be something special when we do cut that ribbon.”
The ambitious two-phase project aims to connect Cochrane to Canada’s 27,000-kilometre Trans Canada Trail system, with Cochrane as a central hub. Phase 1 includes building a pedestrian bridge across the Bow River at Southbow Landing, linking the town’s existing trails with Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. Phase 2 will eventually extend those connections all the way to Canmore.
“Our goal is 2029 or sooner,” Baum said. “And all indicators say we’re on target.”
The vision took root in 2012, when the Cochrane Rotary Club became involved in Glenbow Ranch’s trail development efforts. Those early conversations helped inspire Calgary’s 140-kilometre Rotary/Mattamy Greenway, and they sowed the seeds for what has become a major regional infrastructure undertaking.
As it stands, pedestrian access from Calgary to Cochrane exists—but it’s informal and risky, forcing trail users to navigate a patchwork of paths and roads, including portions of Highway 1A.
“There are ways of getting from Calgary to Cochrane—walking, running, biking—but they’re unsafe,” Baum said. “They’re only for elite athletes. Our early vision was to make this trail accessible to all.”
While detailed bridge designs have yet to be finalized, accessibility is central to the plan.
“We want a four or five per cent grade on the land and bridge, so someone in a wheelchair can still enjoy it,” he said. “It’s not going to be a narrow pedestrian bridge. This bridge has to be wide enough to stop and take in the panoramic views-- the Rockies to the west, Calgary to the east.”
Safety and accessibility are top of mind, with plans to accommodate emergency service access and ensure all users, from cyclists to seniors, can comfortably share the space.
“You don’t want to worry about a bike hitting you or a dog being too close,” said Baum. “And we need emergency access because we’re opening up the trail to all ages.”
That kind of attention to detail has only been possible thanks to the collaboration between partners, including the Town of Cochrane, Cochrane Rotary, Alberta Parks, Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park, City of Calgary, and Rocky View County.
“It’s almost like a choir,” Baum said. “If everybody sings soprano, you don’t get harmony. But if you have four-part harmony, it just sounds better. That’s how it feels. We've got the choir assembled for phase one — now we just need to get the right music in place.”
In February, the Town of Cochrane signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its jurisdictional partners, laying the groundwork for collaborative funding applications and long-term stewardship of the trail.
“It’s neat how grassroots efforts and jurisdictional partners can come together to dream the dream, and roll out something that could become a national treasure,” said Baum. “Now we work on securing funds and start putting together detailed plans.”
The Town has applied to the federal Active Transportation Fund to help cover the estimated $29 million cost of phase one, with a request for $17 million — about 60 per cent of the project’s phase one price tag.
“The major focus of our committee now is raising the capital,” Baum said. “We’re working with the federal government and seeking big grant opportunities to get this done.”
With momentum building, Baum reflected on how a passion for trails and wellness turned into a defining cause.
“It’s hard not to become an enthusiast when you get involved in a project like this,” he said. “Rotary’s long been engaged in trails, parks and playgrounds, because we now understand the importance of physical wellness. Whether it’s a half-kilometre walk with grandma or a half-marathon run, this will be all of that — and more.”
