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Province holding feedback sessions on Bighorn proposal

Dec 2, 2018 | 12:40 PM

The Government of Alberta wants your feedback on its plans for the future of Bighorn Country.

What’s proposed is a mix of parks and public lands in the Bighorn region which the province says will preserve natural landscapes while supporting a wide range of world-class tourism and recreation opportunities.

Public information sessions are being held over the next month to gather public input, including on Monday, December 17 at the Lou Soppit Community Centre in Rocky Mountain House. That session goes from 4-9 p.m.

The rest are happening as follows:

Monday, Jan. 7, 2019
Drayton Valley – MacKenzie Conference Centre (5745 45 Avenue)
6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2019
Red Deer – German-Canadian Club of Red Deer (38167 Range Road 280)
6 to 9 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 14, 2019
Sundre – Sundre Community Centre (3, 96-2 Avenue NW)
6 to 9 p.m.

There has been mixed reaction to the proposal, which was announced on Nov. 23.

Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre UCP MLA Jason Nixon previously issued a statement stating that the proposal proves the NDP doesn’t care about consultation with Albertans, and that it comes ahead of the interests of ordinary Albertans.

Love Your Trails, an awareness campaign aimed at ensuring proper management of Alberta’s Public Lands, also expressed concern that the province was acting outside of the already established North Saskatchewan Regional Plan.

Meanwhile, the Outdoor Recreation Council of Alberta has lauded the proposal, officials stating that it successfully addresses outdoor rec needs of thousands of campers, hikers, naturalists and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Clearwater County Reeve Jim Duncan says the County will take part in consultations and encourages residents to do so as well.

The public can also provide feedback online until Jan. 31.