What's Happening in Calgary, AB…

The provincial government made a recent announcement about the Harvie Passage on the stretch of the Bow River that passes through Calgary.

The safety measures in area, which is popular for river surfing, kayaking, and other uses was destroyed in the flooding in 2013, and it is likely that it will not reopen until 2016, when repairs have been made that will make it safe.

According to a representative from the province’s environment department, the structures cannot simply be repaired, but will need to be designed and replaced, which may take some time. He noted that the section will be closed off from the public by a seasonal safety boom that will be placed upstream to warn them to keep out, and to be careful as they approach the area of the river.

This was also done last year, but the city’s fire department still had to come to the rescue of several boaters who entered the water below the line. A printing company can create signage that can be placed in prominent areas to let people know where and when it is not safe to go into this stretch of Bow, and prevent more rescues from needing to take place.

The current in the passage is strong and can be dangerous. Once the new structures have been built, it will be much safer.