Construction on redesigned Calgary Weir completed

Construction improvements for the Calgary Weir, built in 1908 to divert water to the Western Irrigation District in southern Alberta, are complete.

Construction improvements for the Calgary Weir, built in 1908 to divert water to the Western Irrigation District in southern Alberta, are complete.

Reconstruction below the weir has created two channels. The Main channel is rated as a Class III Rapid and is suitable only for trained whitewater kayakers and river rafters. A less turbulent Class II rapid is located on the south side of the river.

The new design also includes slots that allow fish to swim upriver through the passage, protecting them from predators. The strong undertow of the original design made the area dangerous for boaters and recreational users. Improvements began in 2009 as a partnership project of Parks Foundation Calgary, the Calgary Foundation, the City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta.

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