Cyclists braved the rain to be the first to ride the newly resurfaced Red Rock Parkway at Waterton Lakes National Park this weekend.
Coming in under budget at a combined $13 million, the Red Rocks Parkway, along with the repaving of Highway 5/6 are just the first two Federal Infrastructure Investment projects to be completed in the park. The two projects were also finished ahead of schedule.
Parks Canada said both roadways were resurfaced to address ongoing deterioration.
“This is the first time we’ve had the event in a year,” Ifan Thomas, Waterton Lakes National superintendent, said. “What’s special about this year, is that the road has now been resurfaced and rehabilitated, so everyone will be riding on a brand new road.”
In July 2015, the federal government announced significant investments for the National Park.
“The park is very popular so we needed to start investing in these assets so people can start enjoying themselves in the park…” Thomas said.
“The assets themselves were in need of recapitalization,” Scott Stevenson, the project manager, said. “It helps to put us in a position for the visiting public to enjoy it for a few more generations, it’s very exciting.”
The national park is undertaking a number of infrastructure projects in preparation for Canada’s 150th birthday. To mark the special occasion, admission to all national parks will be free for all of 2017.
“There’s lots of work going on, in total it is over $100 million for Waterton,” Thomas said.
In addition to the Red Rocks Parkway, a number of improvements are currently underway, including repairs to the town site, upgrades to day-use areas, and a new visitors centre.
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