The fundraising campaign for the Calgary to Cochrane (C To C Trail) has now been launched.
The fundraising campaign for the Calgary to Cochrane (C To C Trail) has now been launched.
The Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation (GRPF) is inviting individuals, families, companies and organizations to be a part of the trail that will provide access to ‘some of the most spectacular parkland and vistas the Bow River Valley has to offer.'
“We are really excited to finally create this important link, as many residents in Calgary have asked us when they will be able to walk or bike their way through our park on a regular basis, ” said Tara McFadden, development officer for the GRPF.
“This is a great opportunity to contribute to an historic path that leaves a lasting impression and contributes to a sustainable and natural environment. ”
The GRPF said that the Trans-Canada Trail from Calgary to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is planned to be an expansive network of pathways to be constructed with overall costs estimated at $7.5M over a period of five years. It will include more walking, hiking and biking trails, a railway crossing and a pedestrian bridge to connect to the town of Cochrane.
Phase One of the trail is named Bearspaw Trail, which, according to the GRPF, will be a 2.2 km stretch that joins the northwest corner of Calgary at Haskayne Park to Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.
Susan de Caen, executive director of GRPF, said they need to raise $100,000 to complete Phase One and they hope to raise that by July 1 of this year. GRPF said 60 per cent of the overall project funds of $352,000 have already been raised or committed by various organizations.
De Caen said ‘the vision for the overall project is to have the Calgary to Cochrane Trail open for public access by 2020.'
“Imagine a time when you will be able to bike from downtown Calgary, through the park and treat yourself to MacKay's Ice Cream, or take part in fun activities in the park and the town of Cochrane, ” said De Caen. “Cochrane residents will also be able to access northwest Calgary parks, shops and services. ”
Donations of $50 or above will receive a charitable tax receipt and donor names will be listed on the GRPF website and social media. Donations over $100 will receive permanent recognition along the C to C Trail. Endowment and bequest contributions are also welcome, according to the GRPF.
Those interested can visit ctoctrail.ca to donate online or they can be received by mail or in person at the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park. For more information call 403-851-9053 or email [email protected].
