Notices

Survey #2 is now closed. Come back to this page to learn what we've heard so far.


EDS Group Inc. is a professional planning firm and is currently working with Parkland County to develop the 2023 Trails Strategy Plan. This is an exciting opportunity for us to develop a strategy to build on our trails system and involve residents as we plan for the next 20 years. Public engagement is a very important part of developing this plan. Between now and the spring of 2023 there will be a number of opportunities to get us your feedback. ANYONE who uses trails should be engaged in this project. Whether you use the trails to cross-country ski, horseback ride, cycle, run, walk, use off-highway vehicles or rollerblade - we want your input! Attend an open house, complete the survey, or reach out to us directly because we want to hear from you!

The goal of the Trails Strategy Plan is to provide long term direction to trail development and creating an integrated trail network for County residents and visitors to the region. The plan will focus on an integrated countywide trail network that clearly outlines direction for the next 20 years, with a more detailed focus on the next 5-10 years.

Project Summary

The demand for trail development in Canada, Alberta and Parkland County is increasing. Recent studies by Statistics Canada, the Province of Alberta, River Valley Alliance and most recently with our own Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan have all identified trail related activities such as walking and hiking as some of the most popular types of activities.

Trail use offers a wide range of benefits to trail users, communities, government and the environment. These benefits can include:

  • Improved physical and mental health and related reduced health care costs;
  • Increased awareness of the environment;
  • Social interaction and increased sense of community;
  • An alternative method of transportation; and
  • Overall Enjoyment.

In addition, Wilderness Redefined defines 12 scientific benefits of being outdoors that relate to physical health, mental well-being and life longevity. Recent studies found that many Americans spend up to 93% of their time indoors. Parkland County and other rural residents will be more inclined to utilize the parks, trails and outdoor spaces if they are easily accessible.

Parkland County’s recently completed Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan (PRCMP) found that non-motorized trails, motorized trails, cross country ski trails and equestrian trails were indicated as priorities for outdoor development. The PRCMP recommends that the County expand the amount of non-motorized trails on an opportunity basis. Guidelines and trail development standards were also created for when this development on an opportunity basis does occur. In addition, the PRCMP outlines some of the long range goals and high level trails network objectives that need to be in alignment with the new Trails Strategy Plan.

The County faces different challenges than its urban neighbors in developing trail systems due to the vast geography and with the wide distribution of population in the County. Immense potential exists with a substantial inventory of County owned reserves; potential destinations hubs such as existing parks and hamlets; the River Valleys; historical features; and existence of potential partners including communities, residents, developers and internal departments.

2022 State of the County

Project Timeline

The initial public and stakeholder engagement is anticipated to be complete by the end of February 2023. The final document will then be finalized in spring 2023 before being brought forward to City Council for endorsement in May.

Engagement

We are excited to give our residents the opportunity to participate in this process! Through the course of this project there will be several engagement opportunities available for residents and local stakeholders to provide their feedback.

Please contact Y Station Communications and Research, our public engagement consultant, with inquiries about any of the sessions or if you’d like to share your feedback via phone at (587) 405-2537. 

What We've Heard So Far

FAQs

We're Listening

Please provide us with any comments you have and a member of our team will respond when possible.

Project Director:

Cassandra Dell'Aquila | Landscape Architect,  EDS Group Inc.  |  cdellaquila@edsgroup.ca 

County Representative:

Suzanne Merrills | Interim Director Parks, Recreation and Culture,  Parkland County  |  suzanne.merrills@parklandcounty.com 

Feedback Line:

Please contact Y Station Communications and Research, our public engagement consultant, with inquiries about the sessions or if you’d like to share your feedback via phone at (587) 405-2537. 

Credits

Map & Web Development

EDS Group Inc.

In Collaboration With

Parkland County

Copyright

2023