Provincial Press Release September 15, 2020 @ 10:45 AM
Alberta taxpayers are spending $43 million to enhance, repair and protect Alberta’s provincial parks while creating more than 290 jobs when they are needed most.
Alberta’s parks are a key part of our economy, supporting opportunities and jobs in tourism, hospitality and services, making them an important part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan. Tax dollars will improve trails and pathways, as well as upgrade day-use areas and campgrounds across Alberta.
“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. These projects will get Albertans back to work by creating hundreds of jobs when we need them most.” Jason Kenney, Premier
Additionally, Alberta’s government will strengthen ties with non-profits and conservation societies to help maintain and protect our parks and Crown land. An almost $500,000 provincial grant to the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society will help the group continue their conservation and ecology work while upgrading education and visitor information at the park.
“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. 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.” Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks
“The Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society has a track record of excellence in conservation, education and programming, and is a leader in demonstrating how non-profits can be effective and efficient partners in provincial parks stewardship. It is exciting to see them recognized by Premier Kenney and Minister Nixon, and I look forward to witnessing how this insightful partnership will enhance the visitor experience and broaden our sensitivity to the environment, all while supporting meaningful job creation and volunteer engagement.” Richard Gotfried, MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek
“Maintaining and supporting partnerships within our provincial parks is critical. Civil society groups like Friends of Fish Creek play an integral role in managing facilities and promoting education and enjoyment of the land. They are responsive to park users and Albertans, and incredible stewards of our precious landscapes and resources.” Whitney Issik, MLA for Calgary-Glenmore
"We would like to thank Premier Kenney, Minister Nixon, and their team at Alberta Parks for supporting our vision and enabling the next great chapter in the story of Fish Creek Park. Enhancing our partnership will benefit not just the park itself but also the incredible community of volunteers and supporters that make our work possible." Nic Blanchet, executive director, Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society
“We are incredibly grateful to the Alberta government for this investment of a multi-seasonal educational facility to help young Albertans experience the landscape, learn the history, and value the Indigenous communities who, for generations, have long had a connection to the grassland ecosystems and wetlands of this area. Our goal is that each child will leave with a passionate desire to protect and preserve Alberta’s grasslands.” Sarah Parker, executive director, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation
“Trout Unlimited Canada supports the provincial government’s investment in our parks and public lands. These spaces are extremely valuable to Albertans, not only for their recreation value but also for supplying fresh water and habitat for fish and wildlife. This funding is a great opportunity to restore important habitat, helping to recover at-risk fish species, such as the Bull Trout, while helping to further Alberta’s economic recovery.” Lesley Peterson, Alberta biologist, Trout Unlimited Canada
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.
Quick facts
The grant to Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society is $480,000, over three years, to expand current on-site conservation work, visitor information and educational programming.
More than $43 million in capital funding will support new and improved infrastructure at provincial parks and public lands.
Parks and public lands capital projects include:
Site modernization (22 projects): refurbishing and replacing infrastructure such as 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 (to be determined) - $500,000
This funding is part of the more than $10 billion infrastructure spending announced as part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.
This includes:
$6.9 billion Budget 2020 capital spending
$980 million accelerated for Capital Maintenance and Renewal
$200 million for Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program and water infrastructure projects
$600 million in strategic infrastructure projects, $500 million in municipal infrastructure
$1.5 billion for Keystone XL