The Bearspaw Marina sits on a floating dock on the edge of the reservoir, a segment of the Bow River just outside northwest Calgary limits in Rocky View County.
The business was installed last summer, renting out canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards to people to enjoy in and around the reservoir.
Marina owner Rick Skauge has been a resident of the Bearspaw area for 30 years and thought opening up his land to share with others would be a positive for the community.
But since it's establishment, the marina has caused both confusion and contention.
The City of Calgary has recently announced that they plan to block access to two historic road allowances through Haskayne Legacy Park.
As of now, the road allowances are the only way for people to get to the reservoir.
Skauge said that will jeopardize the business, not to mention, deny recreational water use to residents.
"The City of Calgary’s attempt to close the historic road allowance through Haskayne Park is nothing more than a thinly veiled effort to cut off public access to Bearspaw Reservoir under the guise of 'safety' and 'environmental protection'," Skauge explained. "The justifications provided are weak, misleading, and completely fail to stand up to scrutiny."
The City says the marina has twice been illegally established near an active hydro-electric facility and lacks permits, noting the reservoir is not intended for public use since intake systems for Calgary's drinking water are nearby.
"Yes, the reservoir supplies 60 per cent of Calgary’s drinking water—but that hasn’t stopped decades of recreational use on the reservoir," Skauge noted. "Those accessing the reservoir via the existing road allowance, patrons of Bearspaw Marina, and the estimated other 50 per cent of people using their own watercraft operate without gas-powered boats, not affecting water quality."
TransAlta, the company that collects energy from the Bearspaw Dam, also owns the land adjacent to the reservoir, land on which easement is needed to cross. However, Skauge said a public access road that pre-dates TransAlta's ownership of the land gives him and the public access to the water.
"TransAlta, the reservoir’s operator, pushed the City to close the road allowance," Skauge claims. "The road allowance is outside of TransAlta’s jurisdiction."
The marina technically exists inside Rocky View County (RVC) while the roads leading to it are in the jurisdiction of The City of Calgary. RVC has issued statements in the past, noting the marina does not fall under their jurisdiction either.
A media spokesperson confirmed that the City of Calgary is changing the designation in Haskayne Park at the request of TransAlta.
"These undeveloped road allowances currently lead directly to the Bearspaw Reservoir, which is outside The City of Calgary. This change is being made at the request of TransAlta, which operates the reservoir, to help keep the public safe, protect Calgary’s drinking water, and ensure the reservoir continues to function properly," the spokesperson said. "The Bearspaw Reservoir is not a safe place for public use because water levels can change suddenly, and there is no emergency response service available for on-water emergencies."
Skauge countered that claim by arguing boaters have safely used it for 70 years without issue.
He said TransAlta isn’t offering an alternative route, meaning once this access is gone, it’s gone for good.
"The City just spent $50 million on Haskayne Park which includes a 2-km bike path, but now it wants to prevent people from enjoying the lake—a much greater recreational asset," Skauge said, adding Dick and Lois Haskayne, for whom the park is named after, also oppose closing the road allowance. "If the City succeeds, Bearspaw Marina—an affordable, family-friendly recreation spot—will be forced out of business."
The re-designations will first need to go through the Calgary planning commission on April 10, and then to a public hearing with council on May 6.
Skauge said he found out about the re-designation plan 13 days later than when they filed it, significantly cutting into the 30-day window he had to respond. He said since written to the City of Calgary, set up various meetings with Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp, and received public support.
In three days, Skauge said 323 responses to the City's plan have been sent in opposition while just two have been in favour.
"We shouldn't have to do this. The City is not acting in good faith," Skauge said. "It's not your responsibility. It's not in your city. Get over it."
Operating a shuttle to the reservoir from Cochrane is among Skauge's plans for the Bearspaw Marina this year. Should the re-designation be approved, Skauge said he plans to keep fighting to prove his business is legal and has every right to provide boating and recreation opportunities to the public.
A Rocky View County spokesperson confirmed RVS is aware of recent developments regarding the Bearspaw Marina.
"As this matter falls outside the County’s jurisdiction, we will not be providing comment at this time," the spokesperson said.
