Elbow river rafting - whats its future?

[urban1]

In todays Herald theres an article and a letter to the editor about rafting on the Elbow. It seems GLobal and CTV have news stories tonite. I can see a CTV truck on 26th ave right now.

I think its only a matter of time that something is gonna change. This year the Elbow has been a gong show on hot days. Ive lived near the river for about 4 years now and its progressively gotten worse. The river itself is full of drunk rowdies with little respect for anything or anyone else. Theres no way Id take children on the river which they should have a right to enjoy. When I go float down the river with my g/f, every two minutes it seems drunks are making comments or being rude in general. Add to that all the garbage that gets tossed into the water.

I live near the river. Parking has become a disaster when the river is busy. Traffic is increased with yahoos in their pickup tucks parking where they shouldnt and flying up and down the streets looking for parking. Our yard is always full of junk. I cant believe how many people leave their empty beer cases. Its funny watching when people try to be discreet about it.

Im listening to some lady complain about people pissing in her yard on the news. The worst Ive seen is a bunch of guys pissing in the water in stanley park with a bunch of kids around.

Its too bad. The river is there for everyone to enjoy but its seems its gone too far recently.

[Byrns]

It's probably the same jackholes that tore the wilderness on the May long weekend.

These people needed more beatings as children and less 'time outs'.

[Winsor_Pilates]

I just bought an inflatable boat about an hour ago. Although I'm not in Calgary and will likely be in the ocean, I'll be sure to be respectful.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by urban1

I live near the river. Parking has become a disaster when the river is busy. Traffic is increased with yahoos in their pickup tucks parking where they shouldnt and flying up and down the streets looking for parking.

You should have seen the QE2 (Hwy 2) where it crosses the Red Deer River at Red Deer this past weekend. Dozens upon dozens of vehicles pulled just off the side of the highway, parking in the median and every which way, so that they could go boating / tubing down the river. I was surprised that no one got run over...