Two local parks have been closed in the provincial government’s effort to find efficiencies.
This means that the Bleriot Ferry Recreational area and the Little Fish Lake Provincial Park, both of which were overnight use, will be shuttered. Dry Island Buffalo Jump and Tolman Bridge Campground have also been partially closed.
According to a release, the government will be closing or partially closing 20 sites after assessing all its parks and recreational areas. Partial/full closures support cost savings of $5 million identified under Budget 2020.
A further 164 sites were identified for proposed removal from the parks system. These are mainly small and under-utilized provincial recreation areas that would become vacant public land. Work is underway to determine if some of these facilities and areas could stay open under a public lands management model.
“Our government has a bold vision for the tourism industry, and opening up more facilities and areas for First Nations, non-profit and private sector operation is a great way to encourage private sector investment and create jobs across Alberta as we implement our 10-year tourism strategy,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism.
