Alberta Parks Closing/Partially Closing Some Parks And Raising Camping Fees
In order to save money and “optimize” the provincial parks system, Alberta Parks is going to close or partially close 20 parks and increase camping service fees.
The base camping rate at most campgrounds will rise by $3 and rates for power, water, sewers and showers will increase by $1 where services are available. Service fees in provincial campgrounds have not increased since 2016. Access to provincial parks and day use areas remains free.
Government undertook an assessment of all sites in the Alberta Parks system and identified 164 of its 473 sites – 0.3 per cent of the Alberta Parks land base – for proposed removal from the system.
Sites identified are mainly small and under-utilized provincial recreation areas that would become vacant public land. Work is underway to determine if some of these facilities and areas could stay open under a public lands management model. Through prospective sale or transfer to First Nations or entities such as a municipality or non-profit, these sites could continue to provide important economic and recreational benefits to local communities.
“Albertans have expressed an interest in taking a more active role in the operation of some areas traditionally run by the province. In order to facilitate this, and to renew our commitment to our ‘crown jewel’ destinations, we will be offering Albertans, non-profits and First Nations the opportunity to work with our government and with parks societies on exploring these important partnerships.”
Full Closure
Kehiwin Provincial Recreation Area near St. Paul
Running Lake Provincial Recreation Area north of Worsley
Stoney Lake Provincial Recreation Area north of Fairview
Little Fish Lake Provincial Recreation Area east of Drumheller
Crow Lake Provincial Recreation Area south of Fort McMurray
Bleriot Ferry Provincial Recreation Area north of Drumheller
Green Valley Provincial Park east of Peace River
Twin Lake Provincial Recreation Area north of Manning
Sheep Creek Provincial Recreation Area north of Grande Cache
Partial Closure
Bow Valley Provincial Park west of Calgary
Gooseberry Provincial Recreation Area west of Bragg Creek
Gooseberry Lake Provincial Park north of Consort
Sulphur Lake Provincial Recreation Area north of Peace River
Engstrom Lake Provincial Recreation Area south of Fort McMurray
Chain Lakes Provincial Recreation Area north of Athabasca
Lawrence Lake Provincial Recreation Area north of Athabasca
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park southeast of Red Deer
Notikewin Provincial Park north of Manning
Smoky River South Provincial Recreation Area west of Grande Cache
Dinosaur Provincial Park northeast of Brooks
Revenue from Alberta Parks service fees in 2018-19 was $33.4 million. The revenue is directed back into the parks system to support operations which, in the same fiscal year, cost government $86.1 million.
Online reservations open March 10 for comfort camping, March 17 for individual campsites and March 24 for group camping. Online bookings open at 9 a.m. for each launch and can be made at Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca. Starting this year, Reserve.AlbertaParks.ca will be available 365 days, allowing for consistent and easy access to year-round Alberta Parks’ camping reservations.
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Banner image of Bow Valley Provincial Park from Alberta Parks
