Town council has approved moving a $40,000 study on access to the Bow River to this year.

Community services manager Michelle Delorme told council the river access study will lay a strong foundation for successfully implementing the Bow River strategy, driven by principles of environmental stewardship and community enrichment.

"The Bow River study will be an essential tool for environmental assessment, evaluating current river access points and their compatibility with potential development or restoration projects," explained Delorme. "Without this study, we risk not identifying ecological impacts and opportunities for responsible recreation development."

The study is being funded by the town's general reserve and is expected to be completed this year.

It was originally slated to be completed in 2025.