Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (TPR) has recently deregulated and transferred Crane Lake East, Crane Lake West, Ethel Lake and Minnie Lake Provincial Recreation Areas (PRAs) to the Municipal District of Bonnyville for their continued operation as public recreation sites.
These small, auto-accessible PRAs are located in northeastern Alberta, nearby to the Town of Bonnyville. The sites range in size from 0.42-1.49 hectares, and are composed of day use areas, small campgrounds and boat launches. The MD of Bonnyville has been operating Crane Lake East and Crane Lake West PRAs since 2008, and Ethel Lake and Minnie Lake PRAs since 2007 with the understanding that the sites would be formally transferred to the MD in the future. TPR is fulfilling that commitment to the MD of Bonnyville by completing the final administrative step in transferring the site to them.
As part of the Plan for Parks, TPR has committed to clarifying the park system and providing quality park experiences for all Albertans. The transfer of sites such as these four PRAs to the local municipality allows them greater flexibility to offer local and regional recreational and tourism opportunities.
A caveat will be placed on the title to ensure that if the MD of Bonnyville is no longer running the sites for public recreation, the titles will be transferred back to the province. The municipality does not have the authority to sell or transfer the sites to a third party for any purposes.
Should you have any questions about the deregulation and transfer of Crane Lake East, Crane Lake West, Ethel Lake and Minnie Lake Provincial Recreation Areas, please contact Cara Gill, Northeast Area Planner, Parks Division at 780-623-5435.
Media inquiries may be directed to Camille Weleschuk at 780-427-2206.
