Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (TPR) has recently deregulated Kitscoty, James River Bridge, and Leslieville Provincial Recreation Areas (PRAs), thereby removing them from the parks system.
These sites operated as former highway waysides and no longer provide any meaningful recreational opportunities. They have been closed to the public for a number of years, and all facilities have been removed. Given the small size and limited natural resources at the sites, it is not feasible to develop new facilities for recreation or tourism and they are not economically viable for a private operator. The closure of these types of small, unused sites allows TPR to focus resources at sites with higher recreation and conservation values.
Leslieville PRA is a small site of 0.82 hectares and is located in central Alberta approximately 60 km west of Red Deer. The site was closed in 2004 due to low use and vandalism. Crimson Lake Provincial Park is located approximately 40 km northwest of Leslieville PRA and provides quality recreation opportunities for local residents and visitors.
Kitscoty PRA is a small site of 1.12 hectares, located in northern Alberta approximately 210 km east of Edmonton. The site was closed in 2002 due to low usage, vandalism, and public complaints of loud parties. Alternative camping opportunities are located in the nearby Town of Kitscoty, Vermillion Provincial Park, and Whitney Lakes Provincial Park.
James River Bridge PRA is a small site of 0.96 hectares located in south-western Alberta north of Sundre. The site was closed in 2011 due to the loss of road access and low use. The site had previously been publically accessed by a private roadway, however TPR was advised in 2011 that public access would no longer be permitted into the campground from the road. Developing a new road into the site was not economically feasible and there were public safety concerns. Alternative camping opportunities are located nearby at Gleniffer Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area.
Should you have any questions about the recent deregulation of Kitscoty, James River Bridge and Leslieville Provincial Recreation Areas (PRAs), please contact Travis Sjovold, Conservation and Recreation Planning Manager at 780-427-2096.
Media inquiries may be directed to 780-644-5589.
