Cochrane closes popular trail as crews work on fallen Grandfather Tree

The 'grandfather tree' in Cochrane, Alta., is seen damaged following a wind storm on Jan. 17, 2025. (CTV News)

The Town of Cochrane is temporarily closing a popular trail while crews work on the fallen Grandfather Tree.

The Grandfather Tree Trail will be closed to all bicycle and pedestrian traffic starting on Jan. 30, as crews begin safety work in the area.

The beloved tree was damaged during a windstorm on Jan. 17. The white spruce was estimated to be 300 years old.

“The Town of Cochrane kindly asks residents and visitors to respect posted signage and follow any guidance provided by staff working in the area,” the town said in a Wednesday news release.

The town said a part of the upper tree will be removed to mitigate fire risks. Branches along the trunk will be pruned, allowing it to rest securely on the slope.

The tree appeared to have split in half during the storm. Sustained wind speeds in the area, recorded at Springbank Airport, were between 30 and 58 km/h overnight, with gusts as high as 78 km/h, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

The town said it is exploring ways to repurpose the wood and a seed propagation program.

“Propagation specialists have successfully collected seeds and meristem cuttings from the top of the tree,” the town said.

“They are working closely with a grower to propagate the seed and are also exploring innovative tissue culture micropropagation techniques to create potential clones of the tree.”

Ideas about how to preserve the tree’s legacy will be presented to town council for consideration.

“Thank you, Cochrane, for sharing your thoughts and suggestions on how to commemorate our Grandfather Tree,” said Cochrane Mayor Jeff Genung.

“This tree has been a cherished part of our community, and we want to ensure it’s remembered for future generations. If you have any ideas to share, we’d love to hear from you.”

Any residents with suggestions to commemorate the tree are asked to email [e-mail] by Friday, Jan. 31.

With files from Michael Franklin