After multiple years of planning, engagement, and development, the 2024 Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan was approved by Kneehill County council during its regular Tuesday, September 10 council meeting.
Work on the document first began in 2017 and evolved to incorporate engagement with Kneehill County community members, including adjacent landowners and stakeholders, through the formation of a dedicated focus group, and partnerships with Travel Alberta and Travel Drumheller to further enhance visitor experience of the site.
In 2021, the County implemented a paid parking initiative at Horseshoe Canyon, inspired by a similar initiative at the Hoodoos in the Town of Drumheller. During the first year attendants were on-site at Horseshoe Canyon for a total of 76 days, and collected about $17,500 in revenue.
Due to the success of the pilot year of the program, council approved continuation in 2022 and 2023; they also approved a pilot branding program during the 2022 season to help further recognition of Kneehill County as the owners of Horseshoe Canyon, and create its own unique brand identity for the canyon.
A major focus of the master plan is continued stewardship and protection of Horseshoe Canyon, as well as continued involvement from the community, landowners, as well as collaborations with local and Indigenous tourism organizations.
Funds collected from the ongoing paid parking program have helped to further site improvement and cleanliness. As well, having on-site ambassadors has helped to bolster better visitor experiences. Site ambassadors have been able to provide visitors with further information about Horseshoe Canyon, as well as other regional tourist destinations, including the Hoodoos and Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller, Orkney Viewpoint and Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park in Kneehill County, Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park.
Council unanimously approved the Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan and directed administration to provide a report on the process and resources required to develop a land acknowledgement protocol.
