The province launched a safety campaign to teach paddlers how to navigate the newly completed Harvie Passage on Thursday.
Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development invited members of Calgary's paddling community to the launch to demonstrate safety apparel, equipment and procedures when using the new waterway.
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.
"We all end up here today with a finished project that, to me, is not only an attraction but provides us now with a much safer river," said Derek Lovlin, Bow Operations Manager.
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 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.
The new passage has become an aquatic playground for members of the Alberta Slalom Canoe Kayak Team.
"The water is always cold in Harvie Passage and it is really important, especially for the recreation users, that they dress appropriately, measure their skills and use the site safely," said Mike Holroyd from ASCK.
Inexperienced boaters are still encouraged to use the portage around the passage for their own safety.
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 Harvie Passage website.
