Province pumps $29.2-million into northwest parks

Kevin Laliberte
Smoky River Express

Alberta’s parks system is receiving an overhaul to the tune of $29.2-million. The news was announced on the afternoon of Sept. 20 at Winagami Lake Provincial Park by the Honourable Hector Goudreau, MLA for Dunvegan-Central Peace and Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. “Our province is presently going through a period of unprecedented growth,” says Goudreau, speaking to a group of about 25 people at the group area portion of the park. He said the province’s distinction of being debt-free for the past couple years has enabled government to reinvest in key programs and services, one of which is Alberta’s parks system. “Improving on and maintaining our extensive network of parks and protected areas will ensure an enjoyable experience for all Albertans and everyone who visits our province,” he says, adding that the injection of funding is something long overdue. The funding breakdown for capital maintenance needs in northwest Alberta consists of $2.5-million earmarked towards parks including Winagami Lake, Saskatoon Island, Dunvegan, Queen Elizabeth and Young’s Point. Winagami Lake Provincial Park will receive new shower facility services while neighbouring parks get expanded electricity services and other enhancements. Gene Zwozdesky, Associate Minister of Capital Planning for the province, says the funding commitment is a huge step forward in addressing the needs of Alberta’s parks infrastructure. “While it is important to to build new infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing province, it is also critical that we ensure the existing infrastructure is well maintained and in good working order,” he points out. “We have been working very closely with communities and stakeholders to determine their capital maintenance needs.” Alberta has more than 500 provincial parks and protected areas which attract an estimated 8.5 million visits each year. That translates into a contribution of about $1.3-billion annually to the provincial economy. The projects are part of a $350-million commitment by the Government of Alberta to repair and maintain more than 100 schools, hospitals, post-secondary facilities and government buildings province wide. It’s a commitment which coincides with Premier Ed Stelmach’s vision to improve Albertans’ quality of life while effectively managing growth pressures.