Kneehill County announced the purchase of Horsehoe Canyon on Tuesday afternoon after purchasing the tourist landmark in early July.
Council moved forward on purchasing the privately owned area icon at their May 10 council meeting for an undisclosed amount.
"Horsehoe Canyon is a gem in our prairie profile," said Reeve Bob Long.
"It's an important attraction to maintain for our many visitors and residents to enjoy."
Horseshoe County Agriculture and Parks Department will work on developing a long term plan to present to council, including recreation areas, hiking trails, and other developments in order to promote long-term economic growth, a press release said.
The Horeshoe Canyon parking area was originally under Kneehill County control through a long-term lease until the management of the property was turned over to Alberta Parks and Recreation in 1986.
When the province made plans to privatize or close the parking lot area in 1998, Kneehill County entered into a partnership with the Town of Drumheller to further promote tourism in the region.
On September 6, 2002, the Horseshoe Canyon Conservation Area was opened by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the country's largest national land conservation organization.
Kneehill County re-assumed ownership of the parking lot of the tourism stop in 2008, and pavement and bathrooms were added to upgrade the area.
"With the full quarter now under ownership and operation of Kneehill County, we will be able to develop the recreation area while working with our neighbours, the Alberta Nature Conservatory to the west of the parking area," said county communications manager Debra Grosfield in a press release.
Horseshoe Canyon is located in the southeast part of Kneehill County.
