Elbow Valley
Fair
7:33 am7:19 pm MDT
Feels like: -2°C
Wind: 8km/h NNW
Humidity: 86%
Pressure: 1012.53mbar
UV index: 0
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GET OUTDOORS

Explore The World Around You

BISHOP GRAY INTERPRETIVE CENTRE

This history of this splendid area is important to the vision for development and care of the Elbow Valley Community. The sense of respect for nature and awareness of history come together in the community’s Lott Creek Interpretive area. This sanctuary of nature features is called the Bishop Gray Interpretive Centre (named after the land’s original homesteader). The Interpretive Centre, located at the edge of Lott Creek, was built for educational purposes. Displays are intended to highlight the natural and human history of the site. The Centre is also the gateway to an array of paths and trails carefully positioned to protect and share the natural landscape. It is also a place where you can come and reflect on the beauty and history of Elbow Valley.

Built as one of the projects funded by the Communities Forever Program, the site features observation decks above Lott Creek (See view below) and a covered meeting area containing interpretive information.

The Bishop Gray Interpretive Area, comprising the balance of Lott Creek Valley, will be preserved as a natural interpretive area. Due to the sensitivity of these lands, access is guided by nature trails that loop through the area, starting and ending at the Bishop Gray Interpretive Center, The trail system and the landscape design help prevent damage to the lands, while allowing residents to enjoy their full beauty. These lands are maintained in their natural state. Observation points, benches and boardwalks provide views of beaver, blue heron, deer and other wildlife habitats.

The Bishop Gray Interpretive Center is named after Henry Allen Gray, who first homesteaded these lands in 1889 and subsequently became the first Anglican archbishop of Edmonton.

RECREATIONAL AREAS

Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball & Pickleball

There is a tennis court and a basketball court available for your use. Residents are also able to sign out volleyball equipment. It must be set up either on the grass at the Residents Club or on the beach at the Residents Club. Please contact the office if you wish to sign this item out.

The black lines painted on the tennis court are for the game pickleball. Equipment for  pickleball. is available to sign out at the Residents Club.

Fishing

Elbow Valley residents can spend their days on the water catching fish in the warmer months. Each year, Fisherman’s Lake is stocked with trout. The cost to restock the lake each year is funded through condominium fees. Because of this, and because recreational fishing is for the enjoyment of all Elbow Valley residents, we encourage everyone to practice the catch and release method. While it is nice to bring a meal home for your family it is also important to be cognizant of conservation.

Ice Rinks

In the winter Elbow Valley has two lakes that residents can enjoy skating on or playing hockey – Clearwater Lake and Fisherman’s Lake. Both are cleared every Friday while the ice is thick enough to skate on.

PATHS & TRAILS

Elbow Valley has a well developed trail network, providing all residents with easy access to walking, hiking and cycling opportunities. The trail network includes a regional pathway and a series of narrower, more intimate trails. The regional pathway paralleling Lott Creek Drive will eventually connect to the City of Calgary pathway system to the east and to Bragg Creek to the west. The regional pathway has an asphalt surface.

The series of narrower trails leading from the regional pathway to the various residential cells and community amenities have surfaces of either asphalt or crushed stone. In some instances existing game trails have been improved to minimize disturbance of natural areas. The trails through natural areas provide access to wildlife viewing and bird watching opportunities. Viewing areas and rest stops with benches are provided at appropriate locations.

The pathways and trails are graded to ensure drainage of surface water to avoid muddy sections. Boardwalks have been built through wetland areas and footbridges cross Lott Creek where required. A series of trail network signs, interpretive signs and distance markers have been installed at appropriate locations to orient and inform trail users.

The trail network includes nearly 4.5 km of asphalt pathway and approximately 15 km of crushed stone trails.

FIRE PIT USAGE

Please ensure to bring a container that you can put water into so that you can douse the fire once you are done. There is a water source on the East side of the Residents Club, lower level, or you’re welcome to collect water from the lake as well.

For the fire pits: EVRC likes to know when the fire pit(s) are being used – especially in the evenings and weekends, as we will notify our Security staff of any usages. This helps them identify that the group(s) using the fire pit are from our community. If they have not been notified Security most likely would approach the group(s) to ensure that it is indeed just EV residents using our facilities. Security will also do a double check on the status of the fire after a group is finished with it, to ensure that all the flames are indeed out etc.

The firewood box is open daily until the park closes at 11:00pm. You are welcome to use the wood.

We’ve also found the EV residents are very courteous with limiting the usage of the boats to approximately a 30min in length especially during high demand time periods (hot summer days) so that as many residents as possible can all enjoy them.

We thank everyone for their cooperation and hope everyone has a great summer.

Buffalo Park is a ‘playful’ interpretive area that both young and old can enjoy. It is located within Elbow Valley. Find out more under ‘Living in Elbow Valley’.