Douglas Fir Trail Project
Project update – January 2025
Since November 2023, part of the Douglas Fir Trail has been closed because a site inspection showed unsafe conditions. The map below (Figure 1) shows the section that is closed to the public.
In 2019, a small part of the trail’s slope was marked for repairs. The design for this work is now finished, and we are working on getting the necessary approvals and agreements with CPKCR (Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway), because part of the work will take place on land owned by them. Once everything is approved, construction will begin. Until then, the City will continue to monitor the slope every month.
In January 2024, the City started a study to evaluate problems like seepage, erosion, and damage along a larger section of the trail. This includes drilling and geotechnical surveys, as well as monitoring the slope, to find the best long-term solutions. This study will finish by Q1 2025 (Figure 2), and after that, the City will look for funding to carry out the necessary work.
For safety reasons, the trail will stay closed until all repairs are finished. We appreciate your patience and ask that you follow the detour and closure signs while we work on making the trail safe and sustainable for future use.
Timelines
- Assessment study completed:
Q1 2025 - Repairs to small part of the slope:
Scheduled for 2025 - Repairs to the closed portion of the trail:
Timing still to be determined - Trail reopening:
TBD (after assessment study results)
Contact us
Have questions or concerns about this project? Please email us at douglasfirtrail@calgary.ca.
Related information
Project images
Douglas Fir Trail closure area
Figure 1
Douglas Fir Trail assesment area
Figure 2
Douglas Fir Trail project background
In November 2023, part of the trail (from just north of 150 Wildwood Drive S.W. to 48 Wildwood Drive S.W.) was closed due to damage that made parts of the trail unsafe. We put up signs and fences to keep the area secure.
While this section remains closed, the western part near 150 Wildwood Drive S.W. is still open. Only the areas with damaged structures and unsafe conditions remain closed. Our goal is to keep as much of the trail open as possible while making sure it's safe and well-preserved for the future.
In January 2024, the City worked with WSP Canada Inc. on a geotechnical study to understand erosion and drainage issues. This will help us plan both short-term and long-term solutions for restoring the trail.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any risk to nearby homes?
The City is conducting monthly inspections to help monitor the Douglas Fir Trail slope. At this time, we have found no imminent risk to nearby homes.
Is the Bow River pathway closed?
As usual, the Bow River pathway is seasonally closed from November to May due to ice and unsafe conditions in winter.
When will the Douglas Fir Trail reopen?
Since January 2024, the City has been studying the trail to check for problems like seepage, erosion, and damage. Once the study is finished, we will share the results and the options for reopening the closed section of the trail. This study will also help us figure out how much funding is needed for repairs.
Can I volunteer to help with trail restoration?
We appreciate the community’s interest in volunteering, but right now, we are focused on finding long-term solutions to improve the trail for all users, not just fixing it to its previous condition. For safety reasons, volunteer work is not possible at this time. Once the assessment is finished, we will let you know if volunteering becomes an option.
How is the Douglas Fir Trail closure related to the habitat restoration project?
The City is working on a 10-year plan to improve Edworthy Park’s habitat and protect its wildlife while making sure the park is still accessible to the public. Ongoing restoration projects in the park are happening alongside efforts to reopen the trail.