Todd Reade's Blog

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.