During the winter of 2009/10 the construction will be focused on the river left channel (where the interesting play features will reside), although it may not be completed that winter. Since construction of the channel will start from the bottom and work its way upstream, there will be at least some features to play on, but it is unclear if anyone will be able to LEGALLY use those features. For a long time the area around the weir has been a "No Boating Zone" (NBZ) which makes it a violation of federal law to be boating around there. The NBZ will eventually be removed, but possibly not until the project is completely done.

During the winter of 2010/11, the river right channel and any uncompleted parts of the river left channel will be done. It is a requirement of the contract that the in-river part of the project be completed by spring 2011. Harvie Passage will be completely paddleable (and legal) by spring 2011!

The river right channel will have 4 small drops, each with one or two features. However, the features will not be highly retentive to insure the safety of any unskilled or under skilled person who goes through it. There should be good surfing though! The river left channel will be more straight forward and gradual - it will be appropriate for new paddlers, rafters and drift boaters.

Fund-raising is beginning soon for the out-of-river work that needs to be completed. That includes bank remediation, pathways and the like. The budget has not been finalized.

This is an exciting time for paddles and surfers in the Calgary area! It will be wonderful to have a fun river section so close to home. And, removing the deadly effects of the weir is a huge benefit to every Calgarian that goes on or near the Bow River.

A number of dedicated volunteers have put years into this project and deserve our deepest appreciation! Plus, the staff at Park Foundation Calgary are due great thanks for their endless support and the key work they continue to do for the project. The major funding was provided by the Province of Alberta, the City of Calgary and the Calgary Foundation.

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