Photo 206795712 | Alberta Provincial Parks © David Butler | Dreamstime.com

By rdnewsNOW staff

$1Billion in GDP

Provincial government offers 2023 parks season update

Dec 28, 2023 | 4:17 PM

Officials with the provincial government say millions of Albertans and visitors from around the world gathered in Alberta’s backyard this year to hike, camp, swim, sightsee and much more.

Alberta Forestry and Parks officials say they are putting the spotlight on the province’s successful 2023 summer season. Part of that success is thanks to the 450 seasonal staff hired by Forestry and Parks to support visitor safety and unique outdoor experiences, officials point out.

In addition to Albertans and Canadians travelling in their own backyard, the government says the province welcomed visitors from 36 countries, including many from the United States. With more than 254,000 camping reservations made this year, provincial government officials say that visitors reported a satisfaction rate of 87 per cent. Alberta’s provincial parks is said to have added $1 billion in GDP, $400 million in labour income and almost 9,000 jobs to the provincial economy.

“Parks are for people, and clearly people are using our parks,” says Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks. “With a provincial park or recreation area within an hour of virtually every community in the province, our parks system is accessible to every Albertan and attracts visitors from around the world. I’m very proud of the successful season we had.”

Alberta’s government says it is investing $211.3 million over three years to improve and expand recreation and access to parks and across public lands. As a result of this investment, Albertans also enjoyed several recently completed capital projects around the province, say government officials. These are said to include new boat launch sites, upgraded trails and signage in Dinosaur Provincial Park, backcountry campground refurbishments in Kananaskis Country, the reopening of Grassi Lakes day-use area and the reopening of the Winagami Lake Provincial Park wading pool.

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Alberta government quick facts

• Alberta is home to more than 470 provincial parks and recreation areas. The parks system currently includes 250 campgrounds with almost 14,000 campsites.
• Alberta Parks is responsible for more than $2.5 billion in infrastructure and facilities, ranging from campground facilities to more than 300 buildings, two ski resorts and a world-class golf course.
• More than 110,000 Albertans and visitors took part in more than 1,600 parks programs, including amphitheatre shows, guided excursions, special events and drop-in programs.

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