Pathway Update

Good Morning,

It has been a long time since we posted an update on the pathway so we wanted to fill you in on what has transpired and future plans.

Numerous emails have been written to The City outlining opposition to the proposed pathway project for reasons that are outlined below. To date, the City Planning Department has not answered or directly addressed any of our concerns; However, there has been activity behind the scenes.

Through the Freedom of information Act, we have learned that a BIA (Biophysical Impact Assessment) had never been done northwest of 210th Ave.  A BIA was commissioned by Brookfield last summer and we await the results.

Some concerns have been brought forward about slope stability and gradient issues. Towards the west end of the development where the underground springs have met the surface, slope instability has caused some major changes in the slope structure around the spring near Cranbrook Drive. The picture attached is how this looks currently. One thing we have seen through images over a short period of time is that the slope is a living, breathing, and moving entity that does not warrant development or disturbance.  Preservation is our priority!

An update on structural enhancements is coming very soon. The result will be a collective voice that will become larger and louder to look after the integrity of the escarpment and the Bow River Valley for the protection and preservation of its integrity for the future. There are numerous issues facing this area:

-          There is a lack of education as to what the escarpment and surrounding areas really mean to the residents and wildlife.

-          The rapid expansion of large areas of noxious weeds, both on the escarpment and in Riverstone itself.

-          Lack of adequate signage regarding wildlife.

-          There is a seeming disregard for the issue of what the Fish Creek Wildlife Migration Corridor is and how it is being diminished to the detriment of the wildlife within it.

-          Overland water and erosion issues off the escarpment.

-          Further development on both riverbanks, in the existing neighborhoods and future development to the east of Deerfoot Trail.

Our community has grown since the last update so please feel free to pass this along to anyone who may share the common interest of preserving this escarpment in its natural state. If you have any questions or would like to help in some way, you can forward your emails to res.cranston.drive@gmail.com. Please stay tuned for further updates.