Alberta's Plan for Parks |
Updated: April 20, 2009 |
In 2008, Premier Stelmach directed Cindy Ady, Minister of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation to develop a plan to ensure our province's parks and recreation areas remain protected yet accessible to Alberta's growing population.
"The plan is about involving people and being transparent in the decisions we make." -Minister Ady
Alberta's rapidly growing population is putting pressure on our parks. Many existing facilities are unable to meet the increasing and changing demands for outdoor recreational experiences. The need to manage our natural resources responsibly is increasing. Parks protect ecosystems vital to our province's environmental health. They are home to natural species, historic and cultural landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. The Plan for Parks 
(34 pages | 5.71 mb) balances conservation and recreation objectives, and the diverse needs of Albertans.
What is the Plan for Parks
The Plan for Parks is intended to be a blueprint to guide decisions for managing parks. This long-term plan will help to ensure the sustainability of our natural landscapes, enhance recreational opportunities and help to improve the quality of life for Albertans.
Albertans have a deep connection to the land and over the next ten years, our focus will be on achieving the vision of the Plan for Parks :
"Alberta's parks inspire people to discover, value, protect and enjoy the natural
world and the benefits it provides for current and future generations."
How was the Plan for Parks Developed
Developing the Plan for Parks was a collaborative process. It is based on extensive consultations with Aboriginal groups, stakeholder organizations, park visitors, MLAs, government staff and others. The result is a plan that changes the way Alberta's parks are managed.
What are the Next Steps?
Under the Plan for Parks , the province will work with Albertans to determine the most appropriate ways to manage parks in their communities so that decisions are based on what Albertans want and on what science tells us is good for the land. There are several priority actions highlighted in the Plan for Parks .
Under the Plan for Parks , improvements to the parks system will make it easier for visitors to understand what kinds of experiences are available in the different kinds of parks. An online campground reservation system will be launched, and when upgrades and additions are planned to campgrounds, facilities, and programs, they will be made safe, modern and accessible to all Albertans. These changes will make it easier for Albertans and visitors to better plan their park experiences.
Reducing the impact on the land and protecting the environment with science-based research and better management plans is a priority of the Plan for Parks . Through regional planning processes of the Land-use Framework, the province will work to secure new parkland to fill gaps in Alberta's protected areas network.
Safe and responsible recreation opportunities and policies will also be identified through the Plan for Parks .
April 20, 2009 - Government Announces Release of Alberta's Plan for Parks:
- News Release
- Questions and Answers for the Plan for Parks (6 pages | 22 kb)
- Alberta's Plan for Parks (Complete report) (34 pages | 5.59 mb)
- Plan for Parks regional map (1 page | 1.0 mb) (A map showing the regional planning areas - as adopted from the Land-use Framework)
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Camille Weleschuk
Public Affairs Officer
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation
780-427-2206
camille.weleschuk@gov.ab.ca
