National Urban Park Initiative

Engagement has concluded

About the Project

The City of Edmonton is currently in discussion with Parks Canada, the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, the Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta about the potential for establishing a National Urban Park in the Edmonton area. The National Urban Park program is a new federal program that will see the creation of National Urban Parks in urban centres across Canada. Parks Canada is seeking potential park sites that will:

  • support conservation in urban areas, including biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • increase access and provide opportunities to learn about local nature and culture in urban spaces
  • advance reconciliation by working in collaboration with Indigenous partners

Benefits of a National Urban Park could include federal funding for ecological protection, habitat restoration projects, research studies and parks programming. A National Urban Park also provides opportunities for Indigenous leadership, stewardship and advancing shared goals for Indigenous reconciliation. With more opportunities to learn about nature, a National Urban Park could bring more meaningful connections and appreciation between people and nature.

At this time, no site for a National Urban Park in the Edmonton region has been selected, and the process is in an early, exploratory phase.

Current Status

Parks Canada expects that the Edmonton National Urban Park Initiative will be a multi-phase, multi-year project, with opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement at all stages. Currently, the project is in the pre-feasibility phase. Discussions with project partners and City Council will determine whether to proceed with future planning phases and park designation.

Share your feedback!

We want your help in evaluating the benefits and challenges of a National Urban Park, and understanding what a National Urban Park could look like in the Edmonton area.


Complete the survey!

SURVEY IS CLOSED.

Share your thoughts, ideas and concerns about a National Urban Park in the Edmonton Area.
The survey will be open from September 26 until October 10.

Share your ideas!

We want to know what excites you most about the idea of a National Urban Park in the Edmonton area.


Additional engagement opportunities will be available throughout the pre-feasibility phase and in future planning stages should the project proceed.

About the Project

The City of Edmonton is currently in discussion with Parks Canada, the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, the Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta about the potential for establishing a National Urban Park in the Edmonton area. The National Urban Park program is a new federal program that will see the creation of National Urban Parks in urban centres across Canada. Parks Canada is seeking potential park sites that will:

  • support conservation in urban areas, including biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation
  • increase access and provide opportunities to learn about local nature and culture in urban spaces
  • advance reconciliation by working in collaboration with Indigenous partners

Benefits of a National Urban Park could include federal funding for ecological protection, habitat restoration projects, research studies and parks programming. A National Urban Park also provides opportunities for Indigenous leadership, stewardship and advancing shared goals for Indigenous reconciliation. With more opportunities to learn about nature, a National Urban Park could bring more meaningful connections and appreciation between people and nature.

At this time, no site for a National Urban Park in the Edmonton region has been selected, and the process is in an early, exploratory phase.

Current Status

Parks Canada expects that the Edmonton National Urban Park Initiative will be a multi-phase, multi-year project, with opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement at all stages. Currently, the project is in the pre-feasibility phase. Discussions with project partners and City Council will determine whether to proceed with future planning phases and park designation.

Share your feedback!

We want your help in evaluating the benefits and challenges of a National Urban Park, and understanding what a National Urban Park could look like in the Edmonton area.


Complete the survey!

SURVEY IS CLOSED.

Share your thoughts, ideas and concerns about a National Urban Park in the Edmonton Area.
The survey will be open from September 26 until October 10.

Share your ideas!

We want to know what excites you most about the idea of a National Urban Park in the Edmonton area.


Additional engagement opportunities will be available throughout the pre-feasibility phase and in future planning stages should the project proceed.

Engagement has concluded

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    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