A $12M project could be in the works for a Bow River surf spot in Calgary
Calgary could soon have a new way to enjoy the Bow River, with a proposed project in the works that could allow Calgarians to surf right in the city.
The City of Calgary has released a full preliminary design report for the 10th Street Gravel Bar and Recreational Wave project, which would reshape the gravel bar beneath the Louise Bridge along the Bow River on 10th Street NW.
Following the 2013 floods in Calgary, the gravel bar has continued to grow, restricting river flow beneath the bridge and increasing flood risks to nearby communities.
The City of Calgary
The project would see the gravel and soil removed and redistributed to nearby areas of the river to improve river flow, protect infrastructure, and create recreational opportunities along the Bow River.
One of those opportunities is a proposed recreational wave, and the City is looking into it. “Studies to date have not identified any significant technical, regulatory, or safety reasons to exclude further exploration of a recreational wave,” the website states.
Calgary wouldn’t be the first city to have a recreational wave. Places like Bend, Oregon, Boise, Idaho, and Munich, Germany, already have wave parks.
The City of Calgary
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In a Facebook post, the Alberta River Surfing Association shared more details from the preliminary design report, noting the proposed project would include three adjustable parallel waves measuring 8 metres, 14 metres, and 8 metres wide that would be designed for a range of skill levels and river users.
According to the City, the estimated cost for this project is $12 million. The project is currently in the detailed design phase and still needs to go through permitting, funding, and construction.
The project timeline has regulatory approvals scheduled for November 2026 to November 2027, with the construction schedule to be determined.
Calgary and its surrounding areas are getting some pretty big recreation upgrades. Airdrie is currently moving ahead with a $230-million recreation centre.