In Alberta, a handshake means something.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, Neil Harvie watched the development of Calgary and Cochrane expand along the Bow River and surrounding lands. He knew it was only a matter of time before ‘progress’ would overwhelm his Glenbow Ranch property.
Determined to protect the natural and historic wonders found on the land, Neil began to research and promote tax changes that would allow landowners to protect property through conservation easements and donations to non-profit land trusts.
When Provincial and Federal governments passed necessary legislation at the turn of the century, Neil’s dream became achievable. After his passing, the family worked to make it a reality.
In former premier Ralph Klein they found a partner they knew they could trust. As Albertans do, the two parties shook hands and made a promise: Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park was born and would be protected forever.
Alberta’s signature provincial park didn’t happen by accident. It remains a once-in-a-lifetime, if ever, accomplishment.
And thanks to the vision of today’s leaders, that future is now secure. After extensive study, the Alberta government has opted against the creation of a “Glenbow East” reservoir.
This choice protects thousands of acres of pristine grassland and river habitat and avoids costly damage and disruption to nearby Cochrane.
The Glenbow East option was the most expensive option, and posed higher risks to downstream communities during construction, including Calgary. Its earth-fill dam would also be more susceptible to erosion and failure during large flood events.
This resolution marks a new beginning.
Glenbow has been a working ranch for the past hundred years, and our vision is to continue for the next thousand. In partnership with Alberta Beef Producers, the Calgary Foundation, and the Copithorne family, we are showcasing best-in-class land sustainability practices, while providing unparalleled learning experiences for students of all ages and walks of life.
Our park is as much about the land as it is the people. Rocky Mountain Rotary and Qualico Communities have leaned in heavily to support our education offerings to nearly 10,000 children per year. We’re now working closely with the Calgary Board of Education and City of Calgary to launch an Outdoor Leadership School through the innovative Campus Calgary Open Minds program.
Richard and Lois Haskayne’s contributions have made the best even better. With Haskayne Legacy Park and our land trust holdings in the area, we have achieved an unprecedented 1,600-hectare (3,900-acre) continuous greenway.
Alex Baum, Dan Kroffat, and Cochrane Rotary have been instrumental in bringing together community, business, and First Nations leaders. We are building a system to rival the largest urban parks in the world. Our next step is to complete the bridge connection to Cochrane, envisioning a seamless Bow River pathway spanning from Fish Creek Park to Glenbow Ranch, and on to Canmore and beyond.
As a shining jewel in the greatest trail network in history — the 28,000-km Trans Canada Trail — we’ll soon welcome over a million visitors per year to experience some of the best our nation has to offer.
To today’s leaders, especially Premier Smith, Ministers Schulz and Guthrie, Reeve Kissel, and Mayors Genung and Gondek, thank-you for working with us to save our parks and make this future possible. In facing many competing pressures, you chose the right path.
Thank-you for proving that, in Alberta, a handshake means something — and always will.
Cam Crawford is board vice-chair, and Jeromy Farkas is CEO, of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation.
