Chestermere’s existing pathway link to Calgary could become part of a wider regional network as municipal leaders explore ways to connect recreational routes across community boundaries.
Mayor Shannon Dean attended the Greater Calgary Regional Table’s third meeting Oct. 9 at Rocky View County Hall, where pathway connectivity was among the topics discussed.
The pathway discussion considered the possibility of a regional pathway master plan, bringing neighbouring municipalities together to consider connections beyond their individual networks.
For Chestermere residents, the idea builds on an established connection. The Western Irrigation District Canal Pathway already runs between Calgary’s Max Bell Arena and Chestermere Lake.
Rocky View County describes the asphalt route as 26 kilometres long and suitable for cycling, walking, running and in-line skating. It passes wetlands and includes interpretive signs and occasional rest stops.
The route offers a local example of travel across municipal boundaries without a vehicle. A broader network could extend that approach to other communities, although the current discussions do not establish new routes or construction commitments.
Cochrane Mayor Morgan Nagel said Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas led the pathway discussion and that other municipal leaders responded positively to the concept.
Nagel described an opportunity for municipalities to develop a shared plan for parks and pathways, with potential cooperation on funding and delivery. Any proposal would still need consideration by individual councils.
The regional table provides a forum for those conversations. Its participating municipalities include Airdrie, Calgary, Chestermere, Cochrane, High River and Rocky View County.
Rocky View County’s account of the October meeting also identified Tsuut’ina Nation Chief Ellery Starlight among those attending, alongside Dean, Nagel, Farkas, Airdrie Mayor Heather Spearman and Rocky View Reeve Sunny Samra.
The latest discussion follows an earlier Calgary initiative to examine regional pathway opportunities.
On March 31, Calgary council supported a motion to explore an intermunicipal pathway network. The initiative was sponsored by Farkas and councillors Andrew Yule and DJ Kelly.
That preliminary work was intended to identify existing infrastructure, gaps between municipalities, environmental considerations and opportunities for partnerships. Supporting the exploration did not authorize construction.
The concept considers the Nose Creek corridor toward Airdrie, the Bow River corridor toward Cochrane and existing connections with Chestermere.
The motion also identified opportunities to work with Indigenous Nations on cultural recognition and interpretation, with that involvement guided by Indigenous partners.
For Chestermere, the discussion concerns how its existing regional connection might fit within a larger system. Decisions about specific improvements, municipal contributions and delivery would require further planning and council consideration.
Nagel also pointed to the table’s broader role in allowing leaders to compare experiences and discuss shared infrastructure concerns.
Those discussions can help municipalities identify common priorities, but the table cannot make decisions on behalf of its members. Local councils retain responsibility for considering proposals brought back to their communities.
For now, the pathway discussion represents interest in closer regional coordination. It is an opportunity to examine how existing routes could connect more effectively, with individual projects dependent on the planning and approvals that follow.