Frequently Asked Questions

What are the potential benefits for establishing a National Urban Park in the Edmonton area?

Potential benefits of creating a National Urban Park may include access to federal funding for ecological protection, habitat restoration, and parks programming; advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and communities, and providing unique nature-based educational and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

What sites are being considered for the National Urban Park?

The North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System, as well as sites beyond the River Valley, are being explored as potential locations for a National Urban Park in the Edmonton area. Sites of interest will be chosen based on Parks Canada’s National Urban Park policy goals, City of Edmonton policies, technical information and input provided by project partners, stakeholders and the public.

What activities will be permitted in the park? Will there be entrance fees like at other national parks?

There will be no entrance fees to access the National Urban Park. Specific activities, amenities and park management details will be determined in later project phases once a site has been selected. The City will work with Parks Canada to understand how activities that already take place in the City’s open spaces can continue should a park be designated. The City will engage with the public and stakeholders to ensure that programming and park activities are considered as the park is being planned.

Who will own the park and how will it be managed? Where will funding come from?

Parks Canada, the City of Edmonton and project partners will begin to explore partnership opportunities and initial ideas on park governance (i.e., decision making) as part of the pre-feasibility phase. This includes opportunities for Indigenous co-management. Decisions and details regarding park funding, governance and management will be determined in future phases of the project