Published: July 25th, 2025
We’re proud to share that a new documentary featuring one of McElhanney’s own – Matt Hadley – premiered at the Yorkton Film Festival, winning the Golden Sheaf Award the Documentary POV category this May and is up for multiple film festival viewings throughout the course of 2025. Trailblazing: The Matt Hadley Story, directed by Alberta filmmaker Kim Logan, tells the inspiring story of Matt’s life, both as an elite mountain biker and as a gifted trail designer whose work has left a lasting impact on Alberta’s outdoor landscape.
Prior to Matt stepping into his role as a division manager, many of us had the privilege of working alongside him during his time as a trails technologist based in Canmore. His contributions to major projects like the High Rockies Trail and the redevelopment of Ha Ling Peak and Mount Yamnuska have helped elevate McElhanney’s reputation for designing sustainable and accessible outdoor infrastructure in some of Canada’s most iconic mountain environments.
High Rockies Trail, Alberta
What makes this story even more powerful is Matt’s resilience. After a tragic accident in 2019 that resulted in the loss of his leg, Matt didn’t step back – he pushed forward. He redefined what it means to be an adaptive athlete and continued to inspire with his innovation, positivity, and deep commitment to the trails community.
The film, supported in part by Telus Storyhive, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and McElhanney, is a moving recognition of a life and career that has touched so many, inside and outside our organization.
“Matt wasn’t just designing trails – he was creating opportunities for people to experience the outdoors in new and meaningful ways. His legacy lives on through the landscapes he helped shape.” – Kim Logan.
This is a proud moment for all of us at McElhanney. His story is a reminder of the heart behind the work we do every day, and how the human side of engineering can truly change lives.
🎥 Watch the trailer and learn more about the film at: kimnlogan.com/trailblazingfilm