Alberta Parks Closures

[GStyler]

https://calgaryherald.com/news/local...of-budget-cuts

Alberta Parks announced the list of closures online, which will leave some sites entirely off-limits to the public this year and others with specific campgrounds or facilities closed.

Shortened operating seasons will be in effect for some provincial campgrounds, meaning later opening dates and earlier closures than usual.

Environment Minister Jason Nixon says the province can no longer afford the “retail” side of parks.

“We can’t continue to spend $86 million of Albertans’ tax dollars and only see $36 million come in,” he said Tuesday.

Nixon was unable to say how much money the move would save. Documents released by his department late Monday put the figure at $5 million in the 2020 budget year.

Beginning this fall, Alberta Parks staff will also no longer groom cross-country ski trail tracks in three areas of the Kananaskis Region. Those include Peter Lougheed Trail, Mount Shark Trail and the Kananaskis Village area.

Grooming will continue at the Canmore Nordic Centre, while track-setting by the West Bragg Creek Trails Association will still occur in the West Bragg Creek area.

The Alberta budget tabled last Thursday also included job losses to seasonal staff and increased camping fees. The government estimated that the equivalent of 25 public sectors positions under the umbrella of Alberta Environment and Parks would be eliminated in the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Of parks impacted by closures this year, 10 will be fully closed to the public, impacting 4,490 hectares of provincial land.

The list of parks with full closures in 2020 includes:

Kehiwin Provincial Recreation Area
Running Lake Provincial Recreation Area
Stoney Lake Provincial Recreation Area
Sulphur Lake Provincial Recreation Area
Little Fish Lake Provincial Park
Crow Lake Provincial Park
Bleriot Ferry Provincial Recreation Area
Greene Valley Provincial Park
Twin Lakes Provincial Recreation Area
Sheep Creek Provincial Recreation Area

For parks with partial closures, some areas will remain open but non-serviced. That means services such as garbage collection and grounds-keeping won’t take place in the accessible areas of the park.

The 10 parks affected by partial closures include:

Bow Valley Provincial Park – Barrier Lake Visitor Information Centre (facility)
Gooseberry Provincial Recreation Area – Elbow Valley Visitor Centre (facility)
Dinosaur Provincial Park – Comfort Camping (facility)
Gooseberry Provincial Park Lake (campground)
Engstrom Lake Provincial Recreation Area (campground)
Chain Lakes Provincial Recreation Area (campground)
Lawrence Lake Provincial Recreation Area (campground)
Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park – Tolman Bridge Campgrounds (campground)
Notikewin Provincial Park (campground)
Smoky River South Provincial Recreation Area (campground)

A service fee increase of $3, on top of the base camping rate at most campgrounds, will take effect this year, according to Alberta Parks.

With last week’s budget, the government also announced it identified 164 of its 473 sites for proposed removal from the system.

“Sites removed from the parks system would have their legal park designations removed, and could be open for alternate management approaches,” Alberta Parks stated online.

“This includes potential Park Partnerships through sale or transfer to another entity such as a municipality, so that sites could continue to provide important economic and recreational benefits to local communities. Some of the sites could also stay open under a public lands management model or revert back to vacant public land.”

The total amount of land involved is about 16,000 hectares. The United Conservative government says that’s less than one per cent of the parks system, but it isn’t clear if that includes the national parks.

The move brought a mix of disbelief and anger from environmental groups, political critics and park users.

“It’s extremely disappointing,” said Rhonda Jewett, a cross-country skier who has competed internationally and says she’s never skied anywhere that compares with Kananaskis. Last weekend, she said, the trails were packed with skiers, including a Korean tour group.

Trail groomers make it possible for people with mental and physical disabilities to use the park, she said.

“This is a big deal and I don’t see anything good about it,” said Kecia Kerr of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

“These are public goods that are for all Albertans. We shouldn’t be thinking of them from a business-model perspective.”

Opposition environment critic Marlin Schmidt said hundreds of people had already contacted his office to express concern about the changes.

“It doesn’t make sense. It’s so out of touch with what Albertans have told me they want.”

An online petition opposing the plan has so far amassed more than 4,000 signatures.

“Will you sign the petition calling on the UCP government to stop the fire-sale of Alberta’s provincial parks?” it states.

The province says the 164 sites are mainly recreation-focused, with many being “very small and under-utilized.”

“Work is underway to explore the feasibility of various alternate management approaches for each site,” the province stated.

Alberta currently manages 473 provincial parks, wildland provincial parks, provincial recreation areas, ecological reserves, wilderness areas, natural areas and heritage rangelands.

There is more info on the government website.
Some are unclear to what the actual changes are.

https://albertaparks.ca/news-events/...ZWRDM66ErHKEsM

I get closing day use sites which are surrounded by crown land.
But there are some that are surrounded by private land, with no other camping option in the area.

Previously, when a site was being considered for closure, there was public consultation. With these, there was just sweeping closures.
I'm sure they could have found a better way to save a few bucks.

[dodger]

Enough people will be pizzed that next election will be up in the air. Spending had to be curtailed but some of this is starting to be a test in patience. Plus on top of cuts a significant jump in property taxes.

Dodger.

[Redneck Tommy]

Originally Posted by dodger

Enough people will be pizzed that next election will be up in the air. Spending had to be curtailed but some of this is starting to be a test in patience. Plus on top of cuts a significant jump in property taxes.

Dodger.

Yes but property taxes are local blame your county for that one.

[dodger]

Originally Posted by Redneck Tommy

Yes but property taxes are local blame your county for that one.

https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/latest-pr...ners-1.4836403

Dodger

[pikeman06]

Why wouldnt the government lease them out for a season or two or at least offer an option to do so? Make a quick buck and at least the property is maintained. Anything that sits vacant for any length of time in alberta seems to age remarkably fast. I would maybe be interested myself if it was feasible. Nice way to spend from may till September. I hope they give it a little thought first. I dont disagree with the cuts but rather than cut provincial park employees and related costs and shut down campgrounds they could lease them out create a job or two along the way.

[gordfishing]

Just wrote my MLA and suggested if we closed all Safe Injection sites immediately we would save a lot more than the proposed 5 million the UPC is going to save with this parks plan

So tell me I get all liquored up get behind the wheel crash my car ! How come I don't get a second chance but if I'm a druggy I can overdose all I want and get free needles and drugs for the next time

[liar]

Originally Posted by gordfishing

Just wrote my MLA and suggested if we closed all Safe Injection sites immediately we would save a lot more than the proposed 5 million the UPC is going to save with this parks plan

So tell me I get all liquored up get behind the wheel crash my car ! How come I don't get a second chance but if I'm a druggy I can overdose all I want and get free needles and drugs for the next time

x2

[Justfishin73]

Originally Posted by gordfishing

Just wrote my MLA and suggested if we closed all Safe Injection sites immediately we would save a lot more than the proposed 5 million the UPC is going to save with this parks plan

So tell me I get all liquored up get behind the wheel crash my car ! How come I don't get a second chance but if I'm a druggy I can overdose all I want and get free needles and drugs for the next time

X3

[sewerrat]

Originally Posted by gordfishing

Just wrote my MLA and suggested if we closed all Safe Injection sites immediately we would save a lot more than the proposed 5 million the UPC is going to save with this parks plan

So tell me I get all liquored up get behind the wheel crash my car ! How come I don't get a second chance but if I'm a druggy I can overdose all I want and get free needles and drugs for the next time

X4

[Bergerboy]

The province is hemorrhaging cash in this downturn. Cuts need to happen. I've been to some of the places that are getting turfed and they have not been maintained and often unused.

[bobcatguy]

Going to write a letter and wondering should it go to my local MLA first and cc Environment Minister or the other way around. Or does it matter

[bobtodrick]

My favourite park (Little Fish) was closed.
Seems to me that all the small parks that didn’t cater to big-azzed RVs are gone.

[traderal]

Originally Posted by bobcatguy

Going to write a letter and wondering should it go to my local MLA first and cc Environment Minister or the other way around. Or does it matter

Well I wrote 2 to my MLA and haven't heard back for months.

[Fisherdan]

I posted this in the camping thread, and will repost it here...

Jason Nixon says that $86 million is spent on parks, and only $36 million comes in.
Regarding the financials:

-Does the government account for the $0.14 / L provincial gasoline tax people pay before filling up for a trip camping or visiting a park?

-How many tourism dollars and additional tax revenue do provincial parks help generate?

-How many people fly here from other countries, and spend significant money, to experience what parks offer?

-Will the cancellation of cross country ski trails impact tourism and affect athletes training for Olympics, etc?


A few questions in regards to privatization of 146 park sites:

-What is the process for deciding who manages the parks?

-Will private entities be compelled to maintain existing trails and other infrastructure in parks?

-How will these changes affect people with disabilities?

-How will park activities be decided?

-Will conservation be impaired?

-How will this impact fishing and/or hunting opportunities?

-Are existing leases affected?


Ultimately, what are the goals of having a provincial parks system?
Is it to make money?
Is it about conservation?
Is it about Albertans having the opportunity to enjoy and experience our beautiful and unique province? All Albertans?

What is the balance? This government needs to have an honest dialogue with citizens before acting.

[bakerman]

It's getting to the point where it's beyond belief! No matter what party you vote in some brainless ******* is bent on destroying this province. These people are voted in by the people FOR the people, I think it's time for a house cleaning in politics, we need a new policy that states only those that have proof of working a "real job" for at least 10yrs are eligible to run for office. Clearly none of these pop tarts running the show now know nothing about economic hardship.

[Zip]

Originally Posted by gordfishing

Just wrote my MLA and suggested if we closed all Safe Injection sites immediately we would save a lot more than the proposed 5 million the UPC is going to save with this parks plan

So tell me I get all liquored up get behind the wheel crash my car ! How come I don't get a second chance but if I'm a druggy I can overdose all I want and get free needles and drugs for the next time

X5
Zip

[hogie]

It's a tough one. We went to Gooseberry lake park , by Consort a couple of times when we lived further east. Very nice, great spray park that was busy with day use. Only a few paid campers that stayed nights . This was on a long weekend as well. Pretty much a private camp area for us.

I can see this costing more to operate than what it generates. Probably due to it's location. Further away from population. Have it an hour from a major center and probably would be packed.

[Dynamic]

Originally Posted by Fisherdan

I posted this in the camping thread, and will repost it here...

Jason Nixon says that $86 million is spent on parks, and only $36 million comes in.
Regarding the financials:

-Does the government account for the $0.14 / L provincial gasoline tax people pay before filling up for a trip camping or visiting a park?

-How many tourism dollars and additional tax revenue do provincial parks help generate?

-How many people fly here from other countries, and spend significant money, to experience what parks offer?

-Will the cancellation of cross country ski trails impact tourism and affect athletes training for Olympics, etc?


A few questions in regards to privatization of 146 park sites:

-What is the process for deciding who manages the parks?

-Will private entities be compelled to maintain existing trails and other infrastructure in parks?

-How will these changes affect people with disabilities?

-How will park activities be decided?

-Will conservation be impaired?

-How will this impact fishing and/or hunting opportunities?

-Are existing leases affected?


Ultimately, what are the goals of having a provincial parks system?
Is it to make money?
Is it about conservation?
Is it about Albertans having the opportunity to enjoy and experience our beautiful and unique province? All Albertans?

What is the balance? This government needs to have an honest dialogue with citizens before acting.

Great post.....thinking long term and all possible impacts of these. You CANNOT base all your decisions to cut services based of a simple balance sheet of credit and debits. Like said above, there are many measurable impacts that are going to come as a result of what the UPC are doing. Real governing is more than just looking at a simple balance sheet and making cuts. It’s finding out what closing these parks will actually do. How will businesses in the area be impacted? It’s possible there is no merit to keeping some of these places open but at the very least you gotta show your rationale and consult with the people.

IMO probably the greatest downfall of present day conservatism is just being extremely short sighted. I consider myself financially conservative but I never think short term. I always try to think of long term impacts of my financial decisions and it is quite clear the current UPC government is only focused on the next few years. Balance the budget. Make the cuts needed and think about the consequences later.

[woods_walker]

A number of these sites are already managed by non-government groups in the area around Hinton and have been for a long time. The service has always been good and I don't see any reason it would change. Maybe the same strategy could apply at a number of the other sites. On a different note, maybe a few of these 'free' skiing spots could find a sponsor to continue the work and charge a minor fee to cover the cost of maintenance and grooming. It doesn't need to be a lot but could go a long ways to continuing the activity.

[CBintheNorth]

Originally Posted by gordfishing

Just wrote my MLA and suggested if we closed all Safe Injection sites immediately we would save a lot more than the proposed 5 million the UPC is going to save with this parks plan

So tell me I get all liquored up get behind the wheel crash my car ! How come I don't get a second chance but if I'm a druggy I can overdose all I want and get free needles and drugs for the next time

X6

[srs123]

Kenny won a unanimous vote in all over alberta. Now it is time for people to reap the rewards of that.

I voted NDP and accept the loss. Now let kenny govern the way he sees fit.

[Bergerboy]

Originally Posted by srs123

Kenny won a unanimous vote in all over alberta. Now it is time for people to reap the rewards of that.

I voted NDP and accept the loss. Now let kenny govern the way he sees fit.

So far....he is doing pretty awesome!

[kbobbeck]

most of the parks and rec areas in southern alberta have been privately managed for years. no problems and most have improved since being contracted out. Some of the best ones are operated by the irrrigation districts and Municipal Districts.

[Grizzly Adams]

Originally Posted by dodger

Enough people will be pizzed that next election will be up in the air. Spending had to be curtailed but some of this is starting to be a test in patience. Plus on top of cuts a significant jump in property taxes.

Dodger.

I see an opportunity for the Alberta Party to take advantage, I'll be looking at them seriously.

Dry Island Buffalo Jump Provincial Park – Tolman Bridge Campgrounds (campground)

Anyone who has been there, knows these are gems in the Badlands.

Grizz

[Savage3006]

Originally Posted by gordfishing

Just wrote my MLA and suggested if we closed all Safe Injection sites immediately we would save a lot more than the proposed 5 million the UPC is going to save with this parks plan

So tell me I get all liquored up get behind the wheel crash my car ! How come I don't get a second chance but if I'm a druggy I can overdose all I want and get free needles and drugs for the next time

Without these sites you dont think there will be an increased demand on emergency, hospital, police, justice and social services?

[kk4]

We have too many parks which we operate too inefficiently and as a result we are bleeding money. Nobody likes to see their favorite park cut, but the cuts are needed.

The protesting against these cuts is blown out of proportion by the media and is led by the minority of socialists in Alberta. I hope UCP isn't phased and cuts a lot deeper. Maybe they can drive the socialists right out of the province if they think the grass is greener elsewhere.

[lannie]

Originally Posted by kk4

We have too many parks which we operate too inefficiently and as a result we are bleeding money. Nobody likes to see their favorite park cut, but the cuts are needed.

The protesting against these cuts is blown out of proportion by the media and is led by the minority of socialists in Alberta. I hope UCP isn't phased and cuts a lot deeper. Maybe they can drive the socialists right out of the province if they think the grass is greener elsewhere.

Agreed. Opportunities will arise out of this in the private sector.

[Predatorhunter]

Agreed.

[KinAlberta]

Originally Posted by lannie

Agreed. Opportunities will arise out of this in the private sector.

Didn’t before. Too much short term risk and volatility for small players that can’t easily survive one or two down years.

This is just part of a long slow slide in cuts to services used by those Albertans willing to spend their tourism dollars at home rather than exporting them to places around the world. (Economic leakage.)

Recall all the parks and facilities that were shut or off loaded onto municipalities in the 1990s. How many exist today? Any road side picnic facilities? How about all those campground picnic shelters built in the 1960s when Alberta was relatively undeveloped and poor in many ways.

How many billions of dollars do Albertans spend abroad annually? Killing job potential at home.






-

[midgetwaiter]

Originally Posted by Savage3006

Without these sites you dont think there will be an increased demand on emergency, hospital, police, justice and social services?

He's feeling not thinking.