Douglas Fir Trail Project
Project update – April 2026
Detailed design is moving forward! Thurber Engineering has been hired to lead the detailed design work for the future Dougles Fir Trail repair. The design will focus on improving slope stability, managing surface water, and addressing overall trail conditions. This included exploring options for targeted trail realignment where needed to improve long-term safety and durability.
At this time, construction funding for the broader trail repairs has not been secured. We are seeking construction funding through the next budget cycle (2027 - 2030) and have submitted a request accordingly. City Council will ultimately decide on funding availability for the Douglas Fir Trail Repair Project during budget deliberations in November, 2026.
Slope stabilization work on a smaller stretch of the slope is progressing as well. The contractor has completed construction of a temporary access structure along the Bow River pathway. This structure supports safe access for construction crews while helping maintain stability in the area as work continues. Slope stabilization work is curently expected to be completed by December, 2026.
We want to hear from you! Upcoming engagement opportunities
In May 2026, we will be inviting Calgarians to take part in engagement activities to help shape the future of the Douglas Fir Trail.
This is an opportunity to share what matters most to you, learn more about the project, and provide input on topics such as safety, environmental protection, trail experience, durability, and accessibility.
There will be multiple ways to participate, both online and in person. More details will be shared on this project webpage later in April.
In late April, we will also launch a short pre-engagement phase to better understand how people would like to participate.
We encourage you to get involved and help shape the future of the trail.
Timelines
- Assessment study completed: October 2025
- Repairs to a small part of the slope: September 2025 - December 2026
- Trail design work: 2026
- Looking for funding for the trail construction scope: 2026
- Trail repair: TBC (once construction funding is secured)
- Trail reopening: Once it is safe to do so, after repairs are completed
Contact us
Have questions or concerns about this project? Please email us at douglasfirtrail@calgary.ca.
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Figure 1 – Closure of Douglas Fir Trail and pathway area since September 2025
Trail access and safety
We understand the strong interest in accessing more of the trail, and we continue to look for opportunities to allow safe access where possible.
At the same time, closures remain in place to protect both trail users and construction crews. The turnaround point on the western portion of the trail was also adjusted to help keep users safely away from the construction access road to the active slope stabilization construction area.
Despite signage, we continue to see users entering closed areas. Signs were also removed, and barricades/fences shifted. This creates safety risks and impact construction work. We kindly ask all trail users to respect posted signs and closures so we can keep the project moving forward safely. This will also ensure keeping some portions of the trail open rather than expanding closures.
Why the Trail is closed
The Douglas Fir Trail is located on a very steep slope made up of loose soil and weak rock. Over many years, water, erosion, and natural wear have damaged sections of the trail and reduced slope stability, creating safety risks for public use.
In 2014, City inspections identified a small section of the slope that required major rehabilitation. This work includes addressing slope instability and replacing an aging retaining wall that supports the Bow River Regional Pathway.
In 2023, further inspections confirmed that additional sections of the Douglas Fir Trail were no longer safe to use. To protect public safety and the surrounding natural environment, the City closed part of the trail.
Later in 2023, City Council approved funding to proceed with slope stabilization repairs for the smaller, high-risk section of the slope. By fall 2025, the City had completed all required technical studies, approvals, and agreements with adjacent landowners to allow construction to move forward.
In September 2025, the trail closure was expanded to support construction activities. This includes a laydown area in the Edworthy Park parking lot and use of the Bow River Regional Pathway as an access route to the construction site (see Figure 2).
In fall 2025, a broader assessment study confirmed that some parts of the trail are in poor condition and will also require repairs. As a result, a significant portion of the trail remains closed for public safety and to accommodate ongoing slope stabilization work.
Reopening the Douglas Fir Trail depends on completing two separate but related projects:
- Slope stabilization work, which is currently funded and expected to be completed by December 2026.
- Larger trail repair work, which is not yet funded.
The City is seeking funding for the larger trail repair project. Once both projects are completed, The City intends to reopen the trail for public use.
Figure 2. Douglas Fir Trail closure area
We are now repairing a 150-metre section of the slope above the Bow River Regional Pathway (see Figure 1). This will help protect:
- People using the Trail and Bow River Regional Pathway
- The railway line below the slope
- The long-term stability of the hillside
We ask all trail users to follow posted signs and detours during construction.
What is being repaired right now (2026)
Construction to fix the small slope instability began in September 2025 and will continue until December 2026.
Crews are:
- Strengthening the small section of slope to help mitigate the risk to potential future movement
- Improving drainage so help avoid washouts of the trail at that location
- Installing slope monitoring equipment
- Restoring the natural habitat (tree planting and landscaping) which has been damaged by washouts and users not following the marked trail
These current repairs are not focusing on rebuilding of the washed-out sections of the trail; that is The City’s next project that we spent the last 1.5 years assessing. We are now looking for project funding to reopen the trail.
The future Douglas Fir Trail repair project
The City is developing a long-term plan to repair the Douglas Fir Trail, reduce the risk of future washouts, and reopen the trail for public use.
In January 2026, The City received funding to complete detailed design work for future Douglas Fir Trail repair options. This work may include small trail realignments to safer areas and improvements to drainage.
While slope stabilization work continues, The City will continue working with partners and the community to discuss priorities and future trail design options. These discussions will help inform the long-term repair approach.
The larger trail repair project is not yet funded, and a reopening timeline has therefore not been confirmed. The goal is to deliver a long-term, safe, and durable solution that allows the Douglas Fir Trail to reopen in the future.
How funding works
The detailed design will help refine the scope and cost of the broader trail repairs. We are seeking construction funding through the next budget cycle (2027–2030) and have submitted a request accordingly. City Council will ultimately decide on funding availability for the Douglas Fir Trail Repair project during budget deliberations in November, 2026.
Advancing the design now allows us to move forward faster if funding is approved. At this stage, the timeline for full reopening remains dependent on future funding.
Bow River Regional Pathway Closure
A section of the Bow River Regional Pathway below the trail is closed to allow equipment and crews to safely access the slope for remediation work. We expect it to reopen in May 2026, as the slope repair work is going to be completed in December 2026.
Please note: this pathway closes each year approximately from November to May as part of its regular seasonal closure.
What we learned from the 2024–2025 assessment study
From January 2024 to October 2025, the City studied the full 1.5 km length of the trail to understand long-term conditions such as erosion, drainage, and stability (see Figure 1).
Key findings
- 1,494 metres of trail were studied:
- 991 m are in good condition
- 228 m are in fair condition
- 275 m are in poor condition
- Several areas show constant washout.
- Some older trail sections and structures do not meet City’s current structural, durability, and/or accessibility standards.
Future work to reopen the trail will need to:
- Potentially realign 2 small portions of the trail to the lower part of the slope, moving them to a safer area to help avoid the constant washouts.
- Improve drainage and reduce future erosion.
- Protect plants, wildlife, and the natural look of the trail.
- Renaturalize portions of the trail damaged by users not staying on the marked trail itself.
- Planting new trees and landscaping.
Douglas Fir Trail project background
Slope instability and erosion have affected the Douglas Fir Trail since it was built in the 1960s. Over the years, several studies and repairs have taken place, including volunteer work. However, volunteer repairs are no longer recommended because previous improvements only lasted a few years before eroding again.
Key historical milestones:
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, based on our data, there is no immediate danger to the adjacent properties.
Is the Bow River pathway closed?
Yes. The Bow River Pathway closes every winter from November to May. It is also closed in this area until December 2026 to facilitate slope repairs. When complete, the Bow River Pathway will continue to be closed seasonally every winter from approximately November to May due to unsafe icy conditions.
When will the Douglas Fir Trail reopen?
The project to repair the poor condition of the trail is not funded yet, so the reopening date is unknown. One option being considered is realigning 2 small portions of the trail to the lower part of the slope, moving them to a safer area to help avoid the constant washouts; improving drainage to reduce future erosion.
This year, we are actively looking for funding to repair the trail and have put a request to City Council who ultimately will decide on moving construction forward or not. Currently we've received funding for a detailed design and have hired an engineering company to complete it. The design will focus on improving slope stability, managing surface water, and addressing overall trail conditions. This includes exploring options for targeted trail realignment where needed to improve long-term safety and durability.
This work is an important step toward developing a sustainable solution that allows us to repair and reopen the trail for years to come.
Future construction on the trail would also need to meet regulatory requirements such as Water Act approval, biophysical and historical resource assessments, environmental baseline studies, and coordination with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railway. We will continue to explore funding opportunities to support future trail development and repairs.
How funding for Douglas Fir Trail repairs works
The detailed design will help refine the scope and cost of the broader trail repairs. We are seeking construction funding through the next budget cycle (2027–2030) and have submitted a request accordingly. City Council will ultimately decide on funding availability for the Douglas Fir Trail Repair project during budget deliberations in November 2026.
Advancing the design now allows us to move forward faster if funding is approved. At this stage, the timeline for full reopening remains dependent on future funding.
Can I participate in shaping the future of the trail?
Yes, we want to hear from you! In May 2026, we will be inviting the community to take part in engagement activities for the Douglas Fir Trail.
This is an opportunity to share what matters most to you, learn more about the project, and provide input on topics such as safety, environmental protection, trail experience, durability, and accessibility.
There will be multiple ways to participate, both online and in person. More details will be shared on the project webpage in April.
In late April, we will also launch a short pre-engagement phase to better understand how people would like to participate.
We encourage you to get involved and help shape the future of the trail.
Can I volunteer to help with trail restoration?
We appreciate the community’s interest in volunteering, but for safety reasons, volunteer work is not possible at this time.
Why is the City doing construction in Douglas Fir Trail now?
Construction is underway because 2023 geotechnical inspections identified instability along a 150-metre section of the slope that poses a safety risk. After completing required approvals with adjacent landowners, construction began in September 2025 and is expected to finish in December 2026. The larger section of the trail will remain closed until funding is secured for additional trail repairs.
Is the City removing the trail or replacing it with a paved pathway?
No. The City does not intend to permanently remove the trail and, will not replace the trail with a paved pathway. We are exploring moving parts of the trail that are in poor condition to a safer part of the slope.
Community input and ongoing dialogue
We want to acknowledge the many trail users who have taken the time to share detailed feedback, observations, and concerns about the Douglas Fir Trail over the past years. This input, including perspectives from frequent trail users, plays an important role in helping the project team better understand how the trail is used and valued by Calgarians.
At the same time, decisions about trail access, safety, and construction are informed by technical assessments and input from subject matter experts, including geotechnical engineers, Parks operations, and safety specialists. Our goal is to balance this technical expertise with community insight to arrive at solutions that are both safe and responsive to how Calgarians experience the trail.
We are committed to continuing this dialogue through upcoming engagement opportunities and regular project updates. Your comments and suggestions are always welcomed.
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.
What were the results of the recent geotechnical assessment study (2024-2025)?
The 2024-2025 study found water seepage, erosion, and worn-out areas. Of the 1,494 metres reviewed, 991 metres are good, 228 metres are fair, and 275 metres are poor. Future work should avoid unstable areas and protect the environment. No instability was noticed in the studied portion of the trail.
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 until late fall 2026. 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.
Can people still use the park space and trails on the south side?
The paved part of the south parking lot is open during construction, but the gravel part of the parking lot is being used for construction staging.