Mind our mess. We’re improving your view.

The Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary is getting a long-awaited upgrade to one of its most impressive viewpoints. For 30 years the East Gaetz Lake viewing deck on the east side of the Sanctuary has been providing visitors with a great look at the East Lake, the forest below, and the west side of Red Deer. The viewing deck has a unique, raised platform that puts people out, over the escarpment, while making as little impact with the ground as possible.

30 years of use, 30 years of summer sun, winter snow, spring rains, and fall leaves have taken their toll on this structure. It needs to be replaced. Beginning on Sept 29 crews will start dismantling the structure. New, low-impact screw piles will be driven into the hillside, and a new viewing deck will be installed. The raised boardwalk and staircase leading to the deck will also be replaced as they too, are nearing the end of their safe, usable life.

In order to complete this work, we will need to close the Wishart Trail beginning September 29, 2016. The trail will be closed from the north end of the Gaetz Lakes Sanctuary, along the east side of the loop,  through to the top of the long staircase at the south end of the Sanctuary. We will keep the west side of the Wishart trail loop open from the Nature Centre through to the staircase.
The 1 kilometre Dr. George Trail loop will be unaffected.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to phone the Kerry Wood Nature Centre at 403-346-2010.

Todd Nivens, Executive Director