New rules are in place regarding water storage and conservation.
The Government of Alberta (GOA) has announced the release of the new Plan for Parks, Alberta’s strategic direction for the provincial park system. The new Plan for Parks is intended to help ensure that the provincial park system remains strong and sustainable. To support this work, the GOA is investing more than $236 million to improve and expand recreation in and access to provincial parks and Crown land across the province.
RMA participated in the engagement facilitated by Alberta Forestry and Parks regarding the Draft Plan for Parks in Summer 2025. RMA’s recommendations for the Plan focused on:
- Addressing the effects of tourism on neighbouring municipalities
- Compensation for municipalities for infrastructure strain and services provided linked to park access and usage
- Enhanced engagement with municipalities in the planning of new parks
- Ensuring that municipalities have a clear understanding of their role within park management
RMA’s submission drew largely from two Fall 2022 resolutions (Resolution 6-22F: Financial Burden of Emergency Service Response on Crown Lands and Resolution 19-22F: Portion of Funding from Public Lands Camping Pass Directed to Municipalities) that point to the importance of municipal collaboration and compensation for the role that they play in supporting provincial parks in the province.
RMA is in the process of analyzing the Plan for Parks and will keep members updated on any action items.
Kallie Wischoff
Policy Advisor
825.319.2245
kallie@rmalberta.com
Warren Noga
Manager of Policy and Research
825.319.2285
warren@rmalberta.com