Canmore Plans Bridge Repairs Alongside Park and Rink Upgrades in 2026

As Canmore prepares its 2026 to 2030 capital program, several projects stand out for their direct impact on neighbourhoods and day-to-day public infrastructure. While the broader plan includes dozens of technical upgrades across the town, some of the most visible work will focus on the Carey playground, the outdoor rink surface in Cougar Creek, and a series of bridge repairs that were moved ahead after structural inspections.

Carey Playground Replacement Planned

The most familiar upgrade is the Carey Playground replacement, scheduled for 2026 at a cost of $410,000.

The project will replace aging play equipment and safety surfacing at the existing playground. Funding will come from two sources: $260,000 from capital reserves and $146,000 from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative.

The town lists the project as a routine lifecycle replacement meant to keep recreational areas safe and usable for families.

Outdoor Rink Surface Due for Early Replacement

The Cougar Creek rink will also see significant work next year. The surface has deteriorated faster than expected, prompting the town to advance a full replacement into the 2026 budget.

The $200,000 project is intended to restore the rink to a safe condition for winter use. Although outdoor rinks do not require the same level of technical assessment as the town’s engineered structures, the decision to move this work forward reflects what administration described as condition concerns that could not wait until later years in the capital plan.

Structural Inspections Move Bridge Work Into 2026

Canmore moved $300,000 of bridge work from 2027 into 2026 after a structural inspection identified repairs that should be completed sooner.

In a response to questions from Bow Valley Insider, Adam Robertson, Manager of Communications for the Town of Canmore, outlined several bridges that are now within the scope of work for the next two years.

“The Spurline bridge will undergo major rehabilitation work between 2026 and 2027,” Robertson said. He added that the Engine Bridge needs repairs at one of its central support points, along with smaller fixes to its structure.

Other work includes new foundations and minor structural repairs at the bridge near the Transalta Rundle Plant, as well as repairs at the culvert by the pond. Crews will also fix erosion protection at the Policeman’s Creek culvert under 8 Avenue.

Robertson said inspections also identified repairs for several pedestrian bridges. These range from replacing worn wooden railings and deck boards to tightening or replacing other timber components. The trail bridges behind Pinewood Crescent and near 8 Avenue and 17 Street will see this type of work, as will the Main Street and 10 Street bridges over Policeman’s Creek. Spring Creek Drive bridge will have cracks in its concrete deck sealed, asphalt repaired near the bridge and its railings inspected more closely.

Upgrades Will Be Among the Most Visible to Residents

The capital plan contains many other projects, from energy efficiency upgrades to equipment replacements, but the work on playgrounds, rinks and bridges is likely to be the most visible to residents. The town’s decision to advance the bridge work reflects an effort to address structural issues early rather than risk higher costs or further deterioration.