NOTICE: This program is currently under review and therefore new applications are not being accepted. However, your name will be added to a waiting list and you will be contacted when your request can be processed.

Memorial benches celebrate a life well lived and benefit all visitors to Kananaskis Country by providing a comfortable and reflective place to rest.

This is a wonderful way to create a tangible place of honour where friends and loved ones can visit. Such a program also enhances the long-term health of Kananaskis Country. The memorials program creates a benevolent source of funding. Individuals, families, or groups may honour the memory of a friend and loved one through this program.

Amphitheatre backrests and visitor centre interpretive displays are another way to show your support of the unique place that is Kananaskis Country. Endowments that are used to support programs such as interpretation and environmental education are in demand.

General description

The standard memorial, a 6-foot cedar park bench with a cast bronze memorial plaque, is $2,500.

The bench, plaque, and installation cost approximately $1,300

The balance of $1,200 is used for enhancing Kananaskis Country programs such as environmental education, interpretation, and wildlife research. An official receipt for income tax purposes is issued to donors for $2,500. Maintenance Benches are maintained with help from volunteer crews annually and is coordinated by the Friends of Kananaskis Country.

Location

Donors are asked to identify specifics of preferred memorial bench location and every effort is taken to accommodate these requests. However, the location must be approved through Parks & Protected Areas and must be accessible with a pick-up truck for installation.

Memorial benches can be placed at the following locations:

Bow Valley Provincial Park along interpretive trails
Elbow Valley interpretive trails
Grotto Pond
McLean Pond
Allen Bill Day Use Area

New memorial benches are NOT allowed in the following locations:

Kananaskis Village

William Watson Lodge

Grassi Lakes
Upper Lake Trail in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
Mt. Lorette Pond

In any backcountry area

Additional information Order time for benches is approximately 8 to 12 weeks with benches being installed in the spring and fall, weather permitting.

All plaques are located on the backrest. The standard available size for the plaque is 3 1/2" by 12". Donors typically compose the inscription for the plaque. Longer plaques are available at an additional cost.

Cheques can be made out to the Friends of Kananaskis Country. Tax receipts are issued to the individuals whose names appear on the cheques.

For any additional information, please call (403) 678-5593 or email us here