Last month, the Government of Alberta released its draft Alberta Plan for Parks, shaped by extensive public feedback gathered during Phase 1 of its engagement process. While the draft plan reflects several conservation-focused elements, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) Northern and Southern Chapters believe key concerns remain unaddressed. In response, CPAWS has released a Survey Guide to help Albertans navigate the Phase 2 engagement survey and reiterate their values.
In summer 2024, nearly 5,000 Albertans participated in Phase 1 of the public engagement process, providing input on the future of the province’s parks system prior to the draft plan's development.
“The Phase 1 results clearly show that Albertans want nature to be protected,” CPAWS stated in a recent release. “They value the benefits nature provides, including biodiversity, recreation, human health, and essential ecosystem services that support our communities.”
Key Highlights from Phase 1 Feedback:
- Strong support for guiding principles:
- Sustainability (4,205)
- Accountability (4,072)
- Equitable Access (3,508)
- Reconciliation (2,809)
- Widespread support (4,200) for quiet recreation
- Clear opposition to:
- Large-scale commercial development (4,104)
- Privatized park development (3,449)
- Increased motorized recreation (4,018)
- Support for more parks and better nature access (3,848)
- Support for improved communication on conservation efforts (3,780)
CPAWS acknowledges that the draft plan incorporates some of this feedback, including a promising reference to expanding Alberta’s parks network.
“We commend the draft plan for including many conservation-focused components,” said CPAWS. “However, some critical issues still need to be addressed.”
Concerns with the Draft Plan
Despite the progress, CPAWS is alarmed by sections of the draft that hint at a possible expansion of commercial activity within park boundaries — a move they say is in direct conflict with public feedback and ongoing concerns surrounding the All Seasons Resort Act.
“Over 4,000 Albertans wrote letters opposing the Act,” CPAWS noted. “Language in the draft that suggests increased development contradicts both this response and conservation values consistently expressed by Albertans.”
Recent polling commissioned by CPAWS underscores that 78% of Albertans support setting aside more land for wildlife habitat protection.
Get Involved: Phase 2 Now Open
With Phase 2 of the engagement survey now underway, CPAWS is encouraging Albertans to once again raise their voices for conservation. Their Survey Guide offers helpful tips and suggested responses, grounded in the Phase 1 feedback.
“These are only suggestions,” CPAWS emphasized. “We encourage everyone to complete the survey in a way that best reflects their own values and opinions.”
The survey is open until July 26, 2025.
Resources:
- Take the Survey: your.alberta.ca/p4p-2/surveys/public
- CPAWS Survey Guide: View PDF
- View the Draft Plan for Parks: Read Here
