Alberta hopes bridge over Waiparous Creek will strike balance
Popular spot for thousands of quadders and dirt bikers, but not all respect the rules
A bridge is being built across Waiparous Creek in southern Alberta to help protect a vulnerable fish population while still allowing all-terrain vehicles to use the area.
It's a popular spot for thousands of quadders and dirt bikers on May long weekend alone — but not all are respectful of the rules.
The Waiparous Valley Road — about 45 minutes northwest of Cochrane — takes you to a forested area with tents, trailers and motorhomes dotting the trail next to Waiparous Creek. Also there, a whole lot of off-highway vehicles.
Curt Whachell says his friends briefed him on the rules.
"It's my first time here and I'm amazed," Whachell said.
"Stay on the trails, and you can cross the creek, but no riding up and down it."
- MORE ALBERTA NEWS | RCMP scoping out distracted drivers this long weekend — from 1.2 kilometres away
- MORE ALBERTA NEWS | Syncrude says bison herd holding up well as Fort McMurray wildfires rage nearby
He says it was disappointing to catch others disobeying those rules.
"We saw some people driving their jeeps down the river which we though was unnecessary right, but some people just do whatever they want."
Once the province builds the bridge across Waiparous Creek, it will be the only place to cross, says Garry Salekin of the Alberta Off-Highway Vehicle Association.
"Once they get educated they'll use it cause there will be stiff fines," Salekin said.
He said there could be as many as 10,000 people in the area May long weekend. Most will obey the rules, but some won't.
"Some are crossing all over, they've got to be educated and that's what I think they'll do this weekend, like Fish and Wildlife and the RCMP," Salekin said.
"They'll educate the people."
The province has put the bridge out for tender and it's expected to be completed by the fall.
With files from Colleen Underwood