New Plan For Parks Released

Amiskwaciwâskahikan/Edmonton | Moh’kinstsis/Calgary, AB –

CPAWS Northern and Southern Alberta commend the Government of Alberta for releasing a new Plan for Parks, alongside the Crown Land Recreation and Conservation Strategy, on January 28th, 2026.  

The engagement process and thoughtful incorporation of public feedback clearly show how much Albertans value parks, public lands, and their long-term sustainability. That said, CPAWS is concerned about the lack of detail on implementation of the plans, and whether it will be possible for conservation to be realized in parks and Crown Lands with competing land uses, commercial development pressures, and expansion of infrastructure also identified as priorities.  
 
Over 6,500 people took part in the Plan for Parks engagement, and the final version reflects several key themes from Albertans’ feedback, such as prioritizing conservation, the creation of new parks, and a strong preference for low-impact recreation. The plan’s commitment to expanding Alberta’s parks system offers hope that Albertans will see more protection of our ecologically important area. 

Now that the Plan for Parks has been released, CPAWS Northern and Southern Alberta will watch closely to see how it’s implemented, paying special attention to the formal protection of parks and recreation areas under completed land use plans, as well as the announcement of new protected areas. 

Ultimately, the real impact of the Plan for Parks will be in its implementation, and we do have some concerns that the Plan places a strong emphasis on increasing access, use, and infrastructure, without clearly explaining how that growth will be balanced by creating more parks.  

Without expanding the system, there’s a real risk that more people, more activity, and more development will simply be concentrated in the parks we already have, and that we’ll end up loving them to death. 

Actions taken under the Plan must align with the Provincial Parks Act, which outlines that the intent of parks is to “provide for the establishment, protection, management, planning and control of provincial parks, wildland parks and provincial recreation areas, for the preservation of Alberta’s natural heritage and ecological integrity, as well as for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations.”  

Recent polling results, which indicated 78% of Albertans support creating new protected areas specifically for wildlife conservation, not just for recreational purposes, show that Albertans still see the purpose of our parks as defined in the Act.  

“We are pleased to see mention of an expansion to Alberta’s parks network. However, if this does not translate to the establishment of new protected areas and ensuring management prioritizes conservation, this is simply lip service while increasing activity and development in some of Alberta’s sensitive ecological areas. With a rapidly expanding population, a population that loves parks, and increasing pressures that risk the ability of nature to safeguard our communities, wildlife and waters into the future, the government urgently needs to fulfill this commitment,” says Kecia Kerr, Executive Director, CPAWS Northern Alberta.  

Some key gaps and concerns that CPAWS Northern and Southern Alberta (and thousands of Albertans) raised in the engagement period were not addressed in the final plan, meaning it is still unclear how the Plan will achieve conservation and nature connection goals, including:  

• Lack of inclusion of conservation as a priority in the plan’s vision statement and goals;  

• Lack of focus on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through Indigenous leadership and co-management;  

• Inclusion of increasing heavier impact trail activities, commercialized access, and development within parks and;  

• Questions on the intent to modernize the Provincial Parks Act.  

The Province also released the Crown Land Recreation and Conservation Strategy, designed to complement the Plan for Parks. The Strategy includes positive pathways including identifying land use objectives, data collection and analysis, and proactive visitor education – recognizing the importance of crown land conservation in creating economic benefits from recreation. However, increasing opportunities and access to crown land must be done in a way that prioritizes land and water values and ensures infrastructure and activities are compatible with conservation objectives.  

“What concerns us most from the Crown Land Recreation and Conservation Strategy is the broad language. Recreation expansion and Crown land management should be done carefully, with plenty of opportunities for the public to engage meaningfully and include support for Indigenous co-management and leadership, neither of which are emphasized in the plan. This raises some flags that this strategy leaves the door open for developments and activities that are counter to advancing conservation and protecting the very places Albertans love.” says Katie Morrison, Executive Director, CPAWS Southern Alberta.  
 
Mirroring our sentiment for the Plan for Park’s potential, the Crown Land Recreation and Conservation Strategy’s promises for conservation will come down to timely implementation and adherence to increasing protected areas, careful land use planning, and investment in research.