(The Canadian Press)

By Justin Goulet

Province announces plans to improve provincial parks

Sep 15, 2020 | 11:05 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The government is putting taxpayer dollars towards the enhancement, repair and protection of Alberta’s provincial park.

The province said $43 million will go towards this initiative, which will see the improvement of trails and pathways, as well as upgrades to day-use areas and campgrounds.

The government stated that this work will help create more than 290 jobs and is part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Alberta is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in our country. That’s why we are committed to making sure our parks remain accessible and beautiful for years to come with upgrades to the paths and facilities visitors rely on,” said Premier Jason Kenney in a release.

In addition, the Alberta government will strengthen its ties with non-profits and conservation groups to help maintain and protect parks and Crown Land.

Week-in-review: Federal Budget, water agreements and success for tourism industry

Apr 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: April 19, 2024

Apr 19, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: April 15, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

The province has announced a $480,000 grant to the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society.

“It’s not just the government that looks after Alberta’s beautiful parks. Non-profit societies, such as Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society, are key partners that help protect and maintain our provincial parks and public lands,” said Minister of Environment and Parks Jason Nixon.

“That’s why we made a platform promise to work with them. With this grant, we are keeping our promise while also supporting the province’s economic recovery with upgrades to our parks and public lands that will keep our natural spaces enjoyable and accessible for years to come.”

The grant to the Friends of Fish Creek will be spread out over three years and will help expand current on-site conservation work, visitor information and educational programming.

The $43 million in capital funding announced will support new and improved infrastructure on public lands and at provincial parks.

Parks and public lands capital projects include:

• Site modernization (22 projects): refurbishing and replacing infrastructure like toilets and group-use areas, new landscaping and improved parking.
• Maintenance (11 projects and Alberta Parks’ regional lifecycle maintenance program): repairing and maintaining existing infrastructure throughout the system, including campgrounds, facilities, structures, playgrounds and landscaping.
• Trails, recreation and accessibility (36 projects): in collaboration with local partners, improving motorized and non-motorized recreation activities in parks and public lands.
• Utilities (11 projects): improving and replacing water supply and wastewater infrastructure in provincial parks.
• Campgrounds (11 projects): improving traditional, equestrian and rustic campgrounds.

Capital funding by region for parks and public lands:

• Kananaskis Region Parks: $15,230,000
• South Region Parks: $7,208,000
• Northeast Region Parks: $7,195,500
• Central Region Parks: $4,475,000
• Northwest Region Parks: $2,435,000
• Public lands (across Alberta): $6,156,000
• Provincial accessibility projects (TBD): $500,000