Alberta government invites feedback on new plan for Parks
Scott Hayes,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A new strategic vision for recreation and conservation in Alberta’s parks is in the works, and the provincial government wants to hear people’s thoughts about it.
“Our parks provide truly spectacular outdoor experiences, and we need to make sure their unique beauty is preserved for our children and our children’s children,” said Todd Loewen, minister of Forestry and Parks, during a June 19 announcement.
“We want Albertans to share their vision with us, as we create a renewed and modern plan to bring Alberta’s parks into the future.”
The original Plan for Parks was launched in 2009 as a 10-year plan. It fostered changes like the start of the online camping reservation system. Policies that enhanced inclusion and accessibility of programs, services and facilities were supported by that plan as well.
The new plan is meant to help support visitors’ interests while upholding the natural and cultural heritage of Alberta’s parks.
A two-phase public engagement process has already begun as the province seeks to gather feedback from all Albertans, park visitors, Indigenous communities and community organizations to inform the Plan for Parks development.
The first phase will involve 60 days of collecting feedback to prepare a draft Plan for Parks. Albertans will then be able to review and provide input on the draft plan in the second phase.
The new Plan for Parks will focus on 78 provincial parks, 193 provincial recreation areas and 34 wildland provincial parks.
Alberta’s total parks and protected areas system protects more than 4.5 million hectares of representative and special landscapes. The total area of parks under the Provincial Parks Act has grown from approximately two million hectares in 2009 to more than 3.8 million hectares currently.
Alberta Parks’ website states that there is a park or protected area located within an hour’s drive of every community in Alberta.
Wednesday’s announcement reported that millions of visitors come to Alberta’s provincial parks every year. As this number continues to grow, it will become a top priority of the new plan to create more recreation opportunities, including more campsites and improving access to activities like kayaking and canoeing.
“As Albertans, we love our provincial parks,” said Alberta Parks Ambassador Tyler Dixon.
“The public engagement process will allow visitors and users a valuable opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions on shaping the direction of Alberta Parks.”
A variety of parks support different conservation and recreation goals and opportunities as well, the statement reads. Alberta Parks pledged to continue to inspire people to discover, value, protect, and enjoy the natural world and the benefits it provides for current and future generations.
“We are excited to contribute our perspective on supporting the growth of tourism and outdoor recreation in the province to meet visitor demand and enhance opportunities and connecting with the beautiful landscapes Alberta has to offer,” said Gerry Haracsi, executive vice president of the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association of Alberta.
Public engagement will provide an opportunity to hear from the people on such topics as understanding new and emerging trends in recreation and camping, ensuring environmental responsibility, advancing reconciliation, and continuing to deliver great visitor experiences for current and future generations.
Phase one continues until Aug. 18.
People can offer their input by completing the online survey through Alberta.ca/PlanforParks. There is also a Plan for Parks Engagement Guide that has the survey questions in it as well. Handwritten responses to those questions can be returned to any Alberta Parks Visitor Centre (during regular business hours) or by mail to: Parks Division 9th Floor, Oxbridge Place, 9820 – 106 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2J6 Attention: Plan for Parks.
