The Reconnecting the Rockies project is one of Canada’s most ambitious wildlife corridor initiatives underway outside a national park — and it’s taking shape right here in the Elk Valley.
Led by a collaboration of scientists, Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, governments, industry, and conservation organizations, including the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), the project aims to make Highway 3 safer for both wildlife and motorists. Each year, collisions along this stretch of road kill at least 200 large animals — including grizzly bears, elk, and deer — while posing significant risks to drivers.
At its core, Reconnecting the Rockies combines cutting-edge research with community knowledge. Wildlife experts are tracking grizzly bears, elk, and deer using satellite collars and motion-triggered cameras. This data is guiding the design of overpasses, underpasses, and fencing to help animals safely cross the busy corridor while maintaining critical ecosystem connectivity.
The initiative will advance a connected network of wildlife crossing structures and fencing along 80 kilometres of Highway 3, from Hosmer through Sparwood, and eastward into Alberta to Lundbreck. Construction is already underway on key crossings, with a wildlife underpass and fencing at Rock Creek in Alberta expected to be completed by 2025. By the end of 2027, the goal is to have at least ten crossings completed in B.C., along with highway signage, communications, and educational components to support awareness and stewardship.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s recent purchase of more than 120,000 acres of land in the Elk Valley further reinforces this work. The acquisition secures vital wildlife corridors that connect Banff National Park to Glacier-Waterton International Peace Park, ensuring these landscapes remain linked for generations to come.
When complete, Reconnecting the Rockies will reduce deadly vehicle-animal collisions, save lives, and strengthen the ecological integrity of one of Canada’s most important wildlife corridors — keeping the Rockies truly connected.
The Reconnecting the Rockies project represents a major step toward safer roads and healthier ecosystems across the Elk Valley.
