After public outcry over the proposed Alberta Parks Act in the fall saw it delayed until the spring, the province has again postponed putting the bill before the Legislature.
Bill 29 received first reading in October after Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation Cindy Ady made a commitment in 2009 to update the legislation, which has not been reviewed since 1983.
At the time, conservation groups expressed concerns the Alberta Parks Act was fundamentally flawed and would put already protected wilderness areas at risk.
As a result of the concerns expressed from groups and Albertans, Ady suspended the legislation until the spring session.
In a website post from Feb. 4 the minister said Bill 29 will be delayed again.
“We need a parks system that continues to benefit all Albertans and new legislation that serves Albertans’ best interests,” wrote Ady. “While I had planned to bring park legislation back this spring, I will spend the time needed to address the main concerns raised by Albertans before moving forward with new legislation.”
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) applauded withdrawal of the bill.
“We are encouraged by the commitment of the Minister to further consult with Albertans to ensure Parks legislation addresses their concerns,” said senior conservation planner Sarah Elmeligi. “Strong legislation that protects our parks and provides opportunities for Albertans to connect with our wilderness is essential.”
CPAWS and other conservation groups had criticized the fact the bill removed all protections that currently exist from being in legislation.
As originally proposed, Bill 29 would see two categories: provincial parks and heritage rangelands.
Levels of protection and use would be determined through zoning by the minister, which would be in the regulations associated with the bill.
Also under fire was the definition of ecological integrity as something “likely to persist” and the fact the legislation put ecological integrity in balance with recreation and tourism.
Albertans and stakeholders who wish to be informed of future parks consultations can email [email protected]
