Over the past two years, ARPA has participated as a stakeholder in the development of Alberta’s Land-use Framework, and most recently, the Association has committed to prepare a discussion paper on what the seven regional plans in Alberta should consider in addressing vital recreation, parks, and open space (RPOS) elements. The discussion paper will focus on the need to include RPOS in regional planning, the development of RPOS principles and desired policy outcomes for inclusion in regional planning, and the identification of opportunities surrounding the integration of municipal RPOS planning into regional plans.

The Land-use Framework was given effect in the Land Stewardship Act, which received royal assent in June 2009. It is a comprehensive approach to planning to better manage public and private lands and natural resources to achieve Alberta’s long-term economic, environmental and social goals. The Framework and Act provide a blueprint for land-use management and decision-making that addresses the growth that has occurred in Alberta over the past several years.

An opportunity for members to help shape ARPA’s position on the scoping and shaping of key recreation, parks, and open space elements for consideration within regional plans will be provided during the 2009 Annual Conference.

For more information on the Land-use Framework, please visit www.landuse.alberta.ca.

Alberta · Alberta Recreation and Parks Association · ARPA · Land-use Framework

On April 20th, the Alberta Government released a new plan to guide the management of provincial parks over the next 10 years. Aligned with the province’s Land-use Framework, the Plan for Parks highlights the need to identify and develop opportunities and policies for safe and responsible recreation in Alberta’s parks.

This plan was developed based on consultations with Aboriginal groups, stakeholder organizations, park visitors, MLAs, government staff, and others. This year, the plan will be supported with nearly $85 million, with programs and operations receiving over $67 million and nearly $18 million going to upgrades of facilities and infrastructure.

The Plan for Parks intends to change the way Alberta’s parks are managed by inviting Albertans to become more involved. As the first of four listed strategies, greater citizen involvement will include the creation of a Parks Advisory Council comprised of community leaders. Further strategies include offering modern facilities, policies, and programs; establishing a new online campsite reservation system; providing recreation opportunities; and conserving landscapes.

To reduce impact on the land and ensure protection of the environment, the plan highlights the importance of science-based research and a collaborative decision-making process. “Decisions about managing parks will be based on what Albertans want, and on what science tells us is good for the land,” said Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation.

The full Plan for Parks is available online at www.tpr.alberta.ca/parks/P4P.

Alberta Government · Alberta Recreation and Parks Association · ARPA · Land-use Framework · Management · Parks · Parks and Open Spaces · Plan · Provincial Parks

Albertan’s invited to play a bigger role in planning and management of parks –

The Alberta government has released a new plan to guide the management of provincial parks over the next 10 years.

Aligned with the province’s Land-use Framework, the Plan for Parks highlights the need to identify and develop opportunities and policies for safe and responsible recreation in Alberta’s parks.

The Plan for Parks will change the way Alberta’s parks are managed, by inviting Albertans to become more involved. The Plan for Parks is available online at http://www.tpr.alberta.ca.

Alberta · ARPA · Arts and Culture · Land-use Framework · Parks · Recreation, Parks, Sport, Arts and Culture · Sport