A fence blocking access to a popular natural area in Calgary’s Cougar Ridge community has been removed. The informal route developed where city pathways meet provincial transportation utility corridor land. It’s been used by residents for more than a decade to walk, cycle and connect with neighbouring communities. Alberta Infrastructure closed the access point in early October, saying the area was a no-go zone for community recreation. “The lands adjacent to Cougar Ridge are Transportation Utility Corridor lands owned and administered by Alberta Infrastructure and are not designated for public recreational use,” the department wrote in a statement. “Alberta Infrastructure installed fencing in September following repeated concerns voiced by nearby residents regarding unauthorized access, damage to fencing and signage paired with concerns for public safety with it being close to a major roadway.” However, Saturday morning, Coun John Pantazopoulos ( Ward 6) posted a photo of the pathway with the fence gone. “This could be a big win for Cougar Ridge residents,” Pantazopoulos wrote. “Today, I joined members of my team and local residents at the pathway on the west side of Cougar Ridge, where new fencing had blocked access to the pathway near the Transportation and Utility Corridor. It’s a route neighbours have used for years to walk, bike and enjoy the outdoors. “When we arrived, the fence was gone!” he said. Pantazopoulos said his office is working to confirm what happened, and whether the removal is permanent and what it means for access to the area. “If this holds, it’s a win for Cougar Ridge residents,” he wrote. “You’ve spoken up, asked questions and made sure your concerns were heard. You deserve so much credit for that.” ‘Community engagement’ Cougar Ridge resident Whit Winter was happy to see the fencing gone. “It feels like everything’s back the way it should be again,” he said. “We were surprised and confused when it went up, and I was just really appreciative of how fast it came down and to have things go back to normal and to give people their space again.” He praised the community for coming together over the citizen-initiated community resistance movement. “There was a lot of community engagement,” Winter said. “It’s a beautiful thing to see democracy in action, to have a common cause, and for people to to get their space back.” CTV News has reached out to Infrastructure Alberta for comment. With files from CTV News’ Kevin Green and Darren Wright
