Parks Foundation Calgary raises $40 million towards Greenway

Parks Foundation Calgary has raised $40 million of the $65 million needed to complete the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway.

When completed, the pathways system will be the largest urban system of pathways and parks in the world. The project is the largest in the Park's Foundation's 29-year history and is currently in phase two of three.

"This is truly a remarkable example of the collaborative community spirit of Calgary," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. "Calgarians are exactly the kind of people who can bring together all levels of government, corporations, charitable organizations and individual citizens to create an amazing, unparalleled space to be enjoyed by everyone." The second phase of the project is a 138-kilometre stretch from the Western Irrigation District Canal on the eastern border of the city to Highway 22x, which then crosses over the highway at 52 Street SE and traverses the communities of Auburn Bay, Seton and Cranston - including a spur in Mahogany - before entering Fish Creek Provincial Park.

"I am amazed, but not surprised by the level of support from both Calgary's business community, and from individual citizens," said Calgary-Glenmore MLA Linda Johnson. "As a Calgary MLA for a riding which will be enriched by the last phase of this massive project, I am proud to witness yet another example of this city's volunteer commitment."

Phase two partners for the project include Brookfield Residential, the City of Calgary, Hopewell Residential, Bonavista Energy, CNRL, Crescent Point Energy, First Energy Capital Chair Jim Davidson, Pembina and Trans Canada Corp.

As for phase three, CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary Myrna Dube said some funders are already on board while others are still being approached. The third phase of the project will travel from Airport Trail through the neighbourhood of Cityscape the connect to SkyView Ranch and Redstone.

"Calgary is world class, the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway is world class," she said. "I have no doubt we will continue finding the partners to make this project one other cities look at with envy."

Tagged: Calgary Community | Parks Foundation Calgary | pathways | Rotary/Mattamy Greenway