The Harvie Passage is almost complete and those who use the Bow River for recreation are already riding the revamped rapids near the old weir.
The newly reconstructed route runs through and below the old weir which is just downstream from the zoo.
The new passage was named in honour of Calgary philanthropist Don Harvie and was created to reduce the number of boating injuries and fatalities.
The weir was built across the Bow in 1904 to divert water for agriculture.
Several people have drowned over the years in boats and rafts as they tried to navigate their way through the churning waters of the weir.
The new Harvie Passage was designed to back up the water and create a series of swifts and calm pools to allow people to travel through the area safely.
The passage is separated into two channels; a gentle south channel and a more challenging north channel.
The south channel is intended for experienced recreation users and the north is a Class III rated kayaking channel and is more for canoeists and kayakers who want to practice their skills.
Inexperienced boaters are still encouraged to use the portage around the passage for their own safety.
For Calgarian Darrel Ledrew, the new watercourse means he doesn't have to make the trek to the mountains.
"I think this is awesome, the city has needed something like this for years, I think it's great for our city, it's good for tourism, it's great for the local kayaking community," said Ledrew.
Fish are able to swim up and down both channels and the area will be used to teach children about the river's ecosystem.
Most of the changes to the weir are under the surface of the water so they blend into the natural landscape.
The project was a combined initiative between the province and the city and cost about $6.4 million to complete.
The official grand opening of Harvie Passage is scheduled for August 1, 2012.
For more information, visit the Parks Foundation Calgary website.
