Douglas Fir Trail Project
Project update – September 2025
We started slope repairs in a smaller area of the Douglas Fir Trail on September 2 (see Figure 2 – Slope Remediation Work Area).
During the construction, the gravel part of the south parking lot area will be closed until October 2026. This closure is expected to last about 16 months, potentially into late 2026 if there are delays. Also, part of the Bow River regional pathway will need to close temporarily during construction for access. Signs will be posted in advance to notify park users.
We are close to finishing an assessment study of the Douglas Fir Trail to better understand issues such as water seepage, erosion, and slope damage along the large stretch of the trail (see Figure 2, marked In yellow) This study began in 2024 and was expected to finish earlier this year, but extra time was needed to make sure we fully understood the site’s challenges.
All fieldwork, including drilling, slope monitoring, and surveys, is now complete. A draft report from our consultant is being reviewed by the City, and we expect the final report by the end of Fall 2025.
Once this report is finalized, we will use the findings to create a plan for repairs and apply for funding to complete this work.
For safety reasons, the closed section of the trail will remain off-limits until repairs are complete. Please follow posted signs and detours while we work to make the trail safe and sustainable for future use.
Timelines
- Assessment study completed:
Q3 2025 - Repairs to small part of the slope:
September 2025 - Repairs of the closed portion of the trail:
Timing still to be determined - Trail reopening:
TBD (after assessment study results)
Contact us
Have questions or concerns about this project? Please email us at douglasfirtrail@calgary.ca.
Related information
Project images
Douglas Fir Trail closure area
Figure 1
Douglas Fir Trail assesment area
Figure 2
Douglas Fir Trail project background
In November 2023, we closed part of the Douglas Fir Trail (from just north of 150 Wildwood Drive S.W. to 48 Wildwood Drive S.W.) due to erosion and unsafe conditions. Signs and fencing have been in place to keep the area secure.
In January 2024, the City launched a larger study to understand the full extent of slope issues along the trail. This included drilling, slope monitoring, and geotechnical surveys. This study will finish by Fall 2025, and after that, the City will look for funding to carry out the necessary repair work.
The repairs for remediation of smaller part of the trail (see Figure 2 – Slope Remediation Work Area) begins on September 2, 2025, and is expected to be completed in October 2026.
The City continues to monitor slope stability every month.
Frequently asked questions
Is there any risk to nearby homes?
The City is conducting monthly inspections to help monitor the Douglas Fir Trail slope. At this time, The City’s review of existing information suggests that there is no immediate danger to the adjacent properties.
Is the Bow River pathway closed?
Yes. As usual, the Bow River Pathway will be closed from November to May each year because of ice and unsafe winter conditions.
In addition, repairs to a section of the slope are scheduled for 2025–26. During construction, the Bow River Pathway will also be closed in this area, beyond the normal seasonal closures.
When will the Douglas Fir Trail reopen?
Since January 2024, the City has been studying the trail to check for problems like seepage, erosion, and damage. Once the study is finished, we will share the results and the options for reopening the closed section of the trail. This study will also help us figure out how much funding is needed for repairs.
Can I volunteer to help with trail restoration?
We appreciate the community’s interest in volunteering, but right now, we are focused on finding solutions to improve the trail for all users, not just fixing it to its previous condition. For safety reasons, volunteer work is not possible at this time. Once the assessment is finished, we will let you know if volunteering becomes an option.
How is the Douglas Fir Trail closure related to the habitat restoration project?
The City is working on a 10-year plan to improve Edworthy Park’s habitat and protect its wildlife while making sure the park is still accessible to the public. Ongoing restoration projects in the park are happening alongside efforts to reopen the trail.
Wasn’t the geotechnical study supposed to be done by Q1 2025? What’s the current status?
Yes. The study was originally expected to finish by early 2025. This assessment, which started in January 2024, looks at problems like water seepage and erosion along a larger section of the trail.
It has taken longer than planned so we can fully understand the site’s challenges, but it is now almost complete. All fieldwork, including drilling, slope checks, and surveys, is done. A draft report is being reviewed by the City, and we expect the final report by the end of fall 2025. Once the study is finished, the City will use the results to plan repairs and apply for funding. Updates will be shared on the Douglas Fir Trail project webpage.
When did the south parking lot close to the public, and how long will it remain closed?
The gravel part of the south parking lot will be temporarily closed for staging and equipment storage during the construction starting from September 2025 This closure is expected to last about 16 months, potentially into late 2026 if there are delays. Also, part of the Bow River regional pathway will need to close temporarily during construction for access. Signs will be posted in advance to notify park users.
Are there alternative parking options?
Yes. While the south gravel parking lot will stay partly open during construction, visitors can also use the north parking lot, which connects to Edworthy Park.
Why close the parking lot now, in the middle of summer?
The gravel part of the south parking lot hasn’t been closed yet. It’s only been booked for upcoming construction use as mentioned above. Until then, it’s fully open to the public.
Can people still use the park space and trails on the south side?
The south park space is open. Once construction starts, the paved part of the south parking lot will still be accessible but gravel part of the south parking lot will be used for construction laydown area.
The larger section of the Douglas Fir Trail mentioned above has been closed since November 2023 due to unsafe eroded trail conditions.