The Medicine Hill / Paskapoo Slopes Regional Park project 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 Regional Park project 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 master plan for the future regional park. We anticipate the master plan to be completed in 2026.

The purpose of developing the Medicine Hill / Paskapoo Slopes Regional Park Master 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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

Right now, the area is used in a fairly unstructured way, and with more people visiting, we’re seeing real pressure on some of its most sensitive cultural and ecological features. This plan is a chance to protect what makes the site so special, while also improving the experience for everyone who enjoys spending time there.

The community name "Medicine Hill" emerged during the planning process for the Medicine Hill/Trinity Hills development between 2013 and 2016. It was formally adopted by Calgary City Council on March 7, 2016. Medicine Hill is an English translation of the Blackfoot term Aiss ka pooma, which means “a place of health and well-being.”

The City is actively engaging with private landowners to better understand their long-term plans and explore opportunities for collaboration that align with the vision and goals of the regional park.

This information is not known at this time. Upon completion of the master plan and detail design phase we will have a better understanding of our construction timeline and phasing.  

A detailed site analysis is underway to evaluate the impact of existing trails on sensitive ecological and archaeological areas, as well as to identify sections with significant erosion. Public engagement will help The City understand how the trails are used and what types of recreational experiences the community values.

As part of the master plan, some trails may be formalized, redesigned for improved accessibility, or enhanced with features like boardwalks to protect vulnerable areas. In locations with severe erosion or environmental risk, certain trail segments may be re-routed, decommissioned, and restored to support long-term sustainability.

Regional parks are typically large or significant parks, featuring unique amenities or experiences, which serve multiple neighbourhoods or are a citywide attraction. They are designed to support longer visits by patrons, as they commonly feature specialized services or activities and provide supporting infrastructure, including parking and washrooms. Regional parks are established to serve residents according to the need for equitable access to regional-scale amenities, or to protect, complement and provide access to significant environmental features.

The site has parking access from Paskapoo parking lot.

The site is also accessible via bus:

Bus 108 - Paskapoo Slopes Red Line LRT Access - 19 minute bus ride from Brentwood station

Bus 111 - Old Banff Coach Road Blue Line LRT Access - 18 minute bus ride from Westbrook station

Bus 26 - Sarcee Trail Crosstown

Bus 51 - West Springs / Discovery Ridge

Bus 93 - Coach Hill / Westbrook Station

Bus 98 - Cougar Ridge