rdnewsNOW file photo

By Canadian Press

"part of our heritage" opposition says

Alberta NDP calls on United Conservative government to consult on provincial parks

Jun 3, 2020 | 2:42 PM

EDMONTON – The Alberta Opposition is calling on the government to hold virtual public hearings on a plan to remove dozens of parks and recreation sites from the provincial system.

NDP environment critic Marlin Schmidt says the United Conservative government should hold off on making any changes until those hearings are complete.

Schmidt was joined at an online news conference by Gabriella Peter and Wendy Urquhart, two Albertans who use the parks system and say they would like to have input into any decisions.

“Alberta’s public parks are a treasure and part of our heritage,” said Schmidt. “The public deserves to have input, and it is undemocratic for the UCP government to move forward with such an unpopular agenda while public opposition is suppressed because of public health orders.”

Environment Minister Jason Nixon has said the government plans to fully or partially close 20 provincial parks and hand off another 164 to third-party managers.

Prevention, Access, Recovery, and Coordination

Safe Harbour officially hands over shelter keys, establishes accessible navigation hub

14h ago

lacombe and sylvan lake

December 2025 (un)employment data released for Alberta sub-regions

16h ago

21 years with WCPS

Darcy Blum appointed principal of Lacombe Outreach School

17h ago

Sites for which no manager can be found will lose park status and revert to general Crown land, which can be sold.

Budget documents suggest the move would save about $5 million.