(Meetings & Conventions Calgary, 2012)

The Bow River Calgarys Most Valuable Natural Resource

Cindy Christensen
July 25, 2012

The Bow River has been a symbol of Western Canadian heritage for many generations dating back to the early European settlers, whom used the Bow River to transport commercial products (Bow River Keeper, 2007). Once Canada became industrialized, vast amounts of natural resources from the Bow River were used for construction purposes as well as commercial exports. Increase in population and development threatened the natural resources and environmental habitats of the species living within and around the Bow River. Despite many unsustainable activities in the past, currently preserving the ecosystem and the water quality of the Bow River is a primary environmental goal for all local citizens, public agencies and private companies. As the citys population continues to grow and expand, drastic actions were needed in order to protect the river and its natural habitat. Citizens of Calgary and government officials are working together to increase environmental awareness and to ensure a sustainable well-being of the Bow River (Government of Alberta, 2012). Biodiversity According to the Bow River Basin Council, the section of the Bow River from Banff to Calgary provides important spawning habitat for Rocky Mountain whitefish and brown trout (Bow River Basin Council, 2012). Throughout the last century, there has been various reports highlighting the changes in behaviours and biodiversity of fish species, especially within the area located upstream of Calgary. While the Rocky Mountain whitefish species has prospered within this ever changing ecosystem of the Bow River, other species such as the native cutthroat and bull trout have been significantly outnumbered. Species such as the rainbow, brown and brook trout have largely replaced the native species that were once thriving within the Bow Rivers ecosystems (Bow River Basin Council, 2012).

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Despite the lower number of native fish species, the native Rocky Mountain whitefish still remains in high abundance. This has attracted sport fishermen to the Bow River, furthering the intrusive impact of human activities on the Bow River and its ecosystems. This particular type of fish is native to the Bow River and thrives in cold and clear water from the Rocky Mountain glaciers (Bow River Basin Council, 2012). In the last few decades, extreme weather patterns including extreme winter temperature has deterred other species from reproducing while encouraging the growth in population for the Rocky Mountain whitefish (The Western Watersheds Climate Research Collaborative, 2012). On average, a Rocky Mountain whitefish weights 1.5 kilograms and is approximately 50 centimetres in length. Their physical characteristics is distinguishable by a grayish blue back and a dull white belly, the mountain whitefish has a small, toothless mouth. It is this delicate, hard-to-hook mouth that provides an exciting angling challenge (Great Canadian Rivers, 2012).

Figure 1: Fish Species within the Bow River (Bow River Basin Council, 2012).
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Beside the natural changes such as heavy rain and flood, which have affected the biodiversity of the river, other human actions have also begun to change the physical chemistry of several fish species. Wastewaters and other agricultural nutrients have affected the population of brown trout by adding a blue ribbon on their back (Bow River Basin Council, 2012). The ribbon can be visible on their skin; however, it has been found to be non-harmful to the species. Geology

Figure 2: Bow Valley and Regional Geology, diagram (Natural Resources Canada, 2012).

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In the areas surrounding the Bow River, there are present of sandstone, limestone, silt, clay, and gravel. In the past, sandstone has been used extensively as a construction material in Calgary as well as other surrounding communities such as Airdrie and Cochrane. Silts and clay deposits were also used for the purpose of brick making, while gravel deposits have been used to construct railways and highways (Alberta Geological Survey, 1927). Beside various types of rocks that can be used for construction purposes, there have also been activities of diamond mining in the history of the Bow River. In the early 1980s Gem Exploration and Minerals Limited found deposits of diamond and began the process of mining from 1988 to 1995 (Alberta Geological Survey, 1927). Currently the geological features of the Bow River are heavily protected by municipal and provincial law due to a shift in public opinion. Citizens are extremely protective of the Bow River and they are very adamant towards any construction projects that could potentially disrupt the rivers ecosystems. In order to gain public influence and trust many private companies have created construction projects that would benefit the Bow Rivers water quality and natural habitat. For example in 2012, ENMAX, an Albertas leading utilities company, enacted the ENMAX Bow River Stabilization Project (Canadian Electricity Association, 2012). The company successfully completed a riverbank stabilization project along the banks of the Bow River where vegetated riprap, a permanent structure comprised of rock and vegetation, was built to protect transmission and distribution infrastructure from future erosion (Canadian Electricity Association, 2012). The project not only benefited the community by improving the water quality and ecological environment of the Bow River, it also stabilized the area between

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the ENMAX Powers Substation 32 and the nearby waterfront. A study indicates that this project is most likely to improve fish habitat which means that future generations will have a chance to enjoy the recreational activities as well as other essential natural resources from the Bow River (Canadian Electricity Association, 2012). Geography The Bow River is located mainly in the Province of Alberta with most of its stream running from Banff National Park all the way to the Alberta foothills. The River passes through the largest city within the Province of Alberta, which is the City of Calgary (Bow River Keeper, 2007). The Bow River watershed covers an area of 7,770 square kilometres (The City of Calgary, 2012). The water supply from the Bow River is treated and filtered through various water treatment plants, a rigorous process that ensures safe public drinking water and a healthy water supply. The Bow River watershed is vast: At 25,000 square kilometers, it is slightly larger than the state of New Hampshire. Its watershed is fed by numerous tributary rivers including the Pipestone, Cascade, Spray, Kananaskis, Ghost, Elbow, Sheep and Highwood (Bow River Keeper, 2007). It is believed that the indigenous populations have lived in the surrounding areas of the river for thousands of years; the Bow River gets its name from the indigenous word "Makhabn" meaning "river where bow weeds grow" (Bow River Keeper, 2007). Management Between the years 1910 and 1960, the river was engineered to generate hydroelectricity by TransAlta (formerly Calgary Power); however, this action significantly altered the rivers chemistry, biology and ecosystems. Human development and intrusive recreational behaviors also changed the biodiversity of the river by welcoming certain species of fish such as the brown
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trout while virtually dislocating other types of native species such as the cutthroat and bull trout (Bow River Basin Council, 2012). As a result, during the 1990s the government, media as well as citizens took more pro-active actions to protect the Bow River (Harvie Passage, 2012). Scientific research placed emphasis on the protection of the Rivers ecosystems as well as preserving the high standard of high fresh water quality within the Bow River. Currently, there are various government awards and subsidies for individuals as well as companies that are in placed to encourage the preservation of the natural habitat and ecology of the Bow River (Government of Alberta, 2012). Current Environmental Protection Measures of the Bow River The City of Calgary relies on the Bow River on a daily basis in order to meet the demands of its growing population. The city of Calgary has taken tremendous steps towards recycling and treating the waste water in order to sustain the rivers biodiversity and ecosystems (The City of Calgary, 2012). Efforts in the area of waste management are one of the most important environmental and social issues within the City of Calgary (Alberta Environment, 2011). Advanced technological innovation in regards to water treatments is helping to prevent bacteria and toxic chemicals from entering the rivers stream. Trash clean ups and environmental laws have been created to encourage the protection of the River while discouraging human activities such as the littering of human waste, construction materials, and oil leakage that could be potentially harmful to the rivers ecosystems. Every year, for a day in May, thousands of volunteers gather to pick up trash along all waterways of the Bow River, the tradition is over 45 years old and has been tremendously successful. In 2011, almost 10,000 lbs. of garbage was collected - including five bikes, six tires and three shopping carts (The City of Calgary, 2012).
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Despite many efforts to protect the Bow River, there have been several incidents within this year alone that have created tremendous environmental and social concerns in regarding to water quality and the natural habitat of the Bow River. In June and July 2012, heavy rain and flooding caused dirt and sediment to enter the fresh water supply in a northwest Calgary reservoir. Residents of this affected area were forced to boil their water (Calgary Herald, 2012). Preservations and Improvements for Future Generation There is a strong need for a joint effort and strategic collaboration between private and public sector in order to protect and preserve the ecosystems of the Bow River. Preservation projects in regards to the maintenance of the damaged riverbanks from storm water and flood due to heavy rain and rising temperature should be properly managed. Recreational fishing and outdoor activities should be monitored to ensure the maintenance of a rich biodiversity and water quality for the river (Bow River Basin Council, 2012). According to the Alberta River Water Quality Index, efforts made by the City of Calgary in the areas of water treatment, filtration and disinfection have significantly improved water quality of the Bow River. Despite these positive changes, other threats to the River such as agricultural activities, urban discharges from storm water and wastewater plants still remain high. Any irrigation or recreational activities that are potentially harmful to the Bow River are strictly prohibited. Wastewater and agricultural discharge are also carefully managed by municipal regulations (The City of Calgary, 2012). Proactive actions by all sectors of governments and citizens themselves have shown improvement in the areas of biodiversity, natural habitat, sustainable water supply and higher quality of life for all citizens of Calgary (Government of Alberta, 2012).

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References: Alberta Environment. (2011).Government of Alberta: Alberta River Water Quality Bacterial Sub-Index: The Effects of Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades, Flow, and Other Basin Influences on Water Quality in the Bow, Red Deer, and North Saskatchewan Rivers. Retrieved July 24, 2012, from Alberta Environment: http://www.environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/7685.pdf Alberta Geological Survey. (1927). Ralph L. Rutherford: Geology along the Bow River between Cochrane and Kananaskis, Alberta, 44-45. Retrieved July 22, 2012, from Alberta Geological Survey: http://www.ags.gov.ab.ca/publications/abstracts/REP_17.html Bow River Basin Council. (2010). Government of Alberta: The Bow River Council State of Watershed Summary, 10. Retrieved July 21, 2012, from Government of Alberta: http://www.environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/8298.pdf Bow River Basin Council. (2012). Bow River Basin Council: The Story of Water Management on the Bow River. Retrieved July 20, 2012, from Bow River Basin Council: http://wsow.brbc.ab.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=456&Itemid=83 Bow River Basin Council. (2012). Bow River Basin Council: Fish in the Bow River Basin. Retrieved July 21, 2012, from Bow River Basin Council: http://wsow.brbc.ab.ca/images/wsow/fishspecies.jpg Bow River Basin Council. (2012). Bow River Basin Council: Fish in the Bow River Basin. Retrieved July 24, 2012, from Bow River Basin Council: http://wsow.brbc.ab.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=254&Itemid=186 Bow River Basin Council. (2012). Bow River Basin Council: TranAlta. Retrieved July 21, 2012, from Bow River Basin Council: http://wsow.brbc.ab.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=355&Itemid=83 Bow River Keeper. (2007). Bow River Keeper: About the Bow River. Retrieved July 20, 2012, from Bow River Keeper: http://brk.kobblefish.com/about-river Calgary Herald. (2012). Calgary Herald: "Perfect Storm" led to sediment in water supply. Retrieved July 18, 2012, from Calgary Herald: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Video+Perfect+Storm+sediment+water+supply/6884419/st ory.html Canadian Electricity Association. (2012). Canadian Electricity Association: Stewardship and Biodiversity. Retrieved July 19, 2012, from Canadian Electricity Association: http://www.sustainableelectricity.ca/en/sustainability-performance/environmentalperformance/stewardship-and-biodiversity.php

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Government of Alberta. (2012). Government of Alberta: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. Retrieved July 23, 2012, from Government of Alberta: http://www.environment.alberta.ca/apps/basins/default.aspx?Basin=8 Great Canadian Rivers. (2007). The Bow River: Bow River Ecosystem. Retrieved July 23, 2012, from Great Canadian Rivers: http://www.greatcanadianrivers.com/rivers/bowriver/specieshome.html Harvie Passage. (2012). Calgary Bow River Weir Project: A Timeline of the Bow River 1904 to present. Retrieved July 21, 2012, from Harvie Passage: http://www.harviepassage.ca/news.html Meetings & Convention Calgary. (2012). Meetings & Convention Calgary: Bow River. Retrieved July 23, 2012, from Meetings & Convention Calgary: www.meetingscalgary.com/photo-gallery2 Natural Resources Canada. (2012). Terry Poulton: Geoscape Calgary. Retrieved July 25, 2012, from Natural Resources Canada: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/sites/www.nrcan.gc.ca.earthsciences/files/pdf/calgary/pdf/geoscape_calgary_view_e.pdf The City of Calgary. (2012). The City of Calgary: 45th Annual Pathway and River Cleanup set for Sunday. Retrieved July 23, 2012, from The City of Calgary: http://www.calgarycitynews.com/2012/05/45th-annual-pathway-and-river-cleanup.html The Western Watersheds Climate Research Collaborative. (2012). The Western Watersheds Climate Research Collaborative: Climate Change in The Bow River Basin, Starting the Dialogue, 6. Retrieved July 20, 2012, from Canadian Electricity Association: http://www.cbt.org/uploads/pdf/Bob_Sandford-_Bow_River_Basin_Case_Study.pdf

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