UPDATE APRIL 14, 2018
Policeman’s Flats river access and boat ramp became an integral part of the Bow River fishery dating back some 30 years to when floating and fishing the Blue-Ribbon Bow became popular. The Government of Alberta developed a designated boat ramp at the site in the late nineties that received significant damage in the 2005 flood. The boat ramp and parking lot was redeveloped in 2008 but unfortunately was destroyed in the 2013 flood.
Bow River Trout’s position that is shared by other river use organizations, river guides, outfitters and the fishing community at large is that the current disposition of Policeman’s Flats is unacceptable as a safe boat launch and takeout point. Bow River Trout Foundation made the decision to fund short-term revitalization of the river access site with the support of the property owner Sherbrooke Investments Ltd and the fishing community.
The development
Phase A: The proposal would see the removal of the rocks that interfere with boat access to and from the shore. Habitat assessment protocols and instream permits application and temporary access agreements will see this work completed in April 2018. Total budget $ 11,500.
The site will be closed to the public on
Wednesday April 18.
Equipment will be mobilized on Tuesday April 17 and Thursday April 19, 2108 but will not interfere with river access.
Updated – Saturday April 14, 2018
Phase B: The parking and staging area will be contoured to facilitate better parking assignment. Removal of debris and a general clean-up of the site is needed on an ongoing basis.A seasonal amenities module comprising of toilets, benches and garbage containment is being considered. Work schedule, April 2018. Total budget $ 25,000
A site closure for 3 days the week of April 30 will also be needed to complete this phase of the project. No closure is planned for the week of April 23, 2018
Updated – Saturday April 14, 2018
The Commitment:
It is important to recognize that Policeman’s Flats is not public land but owned by Sherbrooke Investments Ltd who have graciously granted public access to the site. The river user community needs to recognize this commitment and support conservation of the site.