The Medicine Hill / Paskapoo Slopes Park Plan will provide an opportunity to protect land with cultural, archaeological, and ecological significance, while creating a regional park that shapes a landscape of connection and education for all who visit. Few places in Calgary show this degree of significance and our team recognizes that Medicine Hill is truly unique.

We have learned that Medicine Hill / Paskapoo Slopes (Aiss ka pooma, Pagaspu, Piskapo) is an important site for the local Indigenous Nations and this project involves engaging with the Treaty 7 First Nations and Métis to better understand the cultural significance.

The Medicine Hill / Paskapoo Slopes Park Plan will be developed using a phased approach which is expected to extend over several years. The first phase of the project will include the development of a plan for the future regional park. We anticipate the plan to be completed in 2026.

The purpose of developing the Medicine Hill / Paskapoo Slopes Park Plan is to create a blueprint for how the future park will be realized over the next decade and beyond. The master plan may include more formalized trails, educational opportunities, improved signage and wayfinding, as well as feedback and considerations gathered from Indigenous and public engagement.

Nature

Medicine Hill/Paskapoo Slopes is known for its steep hills and rolling landscape, connecting natural areas in the west to Calgary’s city center. The area is home to many different plants and animals, supported in part by underground and surface springs that flow into the Bow River. These natural features, along with important cultural and geological sites, help tell the story of this special place. Right now, without a formal park design or management plan, these sensitive areas are at risk of being damaged. As more people visit, the City sees an important opportunity to protect the land by creating a regional park that encourages people to connect with nature, learn about the area, and help take care of it.

Culture

We understand that Medicine Hill/Paskapoo Slopes is a place of deep cultural, spiritual, and historical importance for Indigenous Nations with long-standing ties to the land. The Buddhist Stupa in the southwest part of the park is also a meaningful place for Calgary’s Buddhist community. As we plan for the future of the park, we’re working closely with Treaty 7 Nations, the Métis Nation of Alberta Region 3, and members of the Buddhist community to better understand the cultural importance of the site, how it’s used today, and their vision for its future.

Education

Learning is an important part of making Medicine Hill/Paskapoo Slopes a place where people feel connected to each other and to the land. Education helps visitors understand the area's natural beauty, its plants and animals, and the deep history and cultural importance it holds. Through thoughtfully designed spaces, informational signs, and engaging programs, people of all ages can learn how this landscape has been shaped over thousands of years. This knowledge helps everyone care for the park in a respectful and responsible way, so it stays cherished for future generations.

Together

Together, we can shape a regional park that reflects shared values and collective stewardship. Public enjoyment and visitor experience are central to this vision, supporting low-impact recreation activities such as walking, cycling, nature observation, and quiet reflection. By working in respect, relationship, spirit, action, and collectiveness, we create a welcoming space where people can connect with nature, culture, and each other. These activities foster a deeper connection to the land while preserving its ecological and cultural integrity. Through collaboration with Indigenous communities, local residents, and park users, the park will become an inclusive and valued place for all, now and into the future.

The public plays a vital role in shaping the future of Medicine Hill/Paskapoo Slopes Park Plan by actively contributing ideas, feedback, and local knowledge throughout the planning process. Engagement occurs in three stages, beginning with identifying community values and priorities, followed by gathering input on early design concepts, and concluding with sharing and discussing the preferred concept. Through workshops, events, and other interactive opportunities, participants help guide decisions and gain a clearer understanding of how those decisions are made. This process fosters meaningful dialogue, encourages broad participation, and helps build a shared sense of pride, connection, and long-term stewardship for the park.

To view the archived information from Phase 1, including all feedback forms, please click here.