In summer 2009, Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation proposed deregulating Meeting Creek Provincial Recreation Area (PRA). Feedback was gathered during a 60 day online public comment period that ended September 13, 2009. The province took all comments into consideration before making a decision. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.

What We Heard

Concern:

• General concern for the fragmentation of native parkland habitat and a perceived loss of public access to crown land as a result of the deregulation.

Response:

• All facilities were removed and the site has been closed to the public since 2006.
• Given its small size (3.23 hectares) and limited natural resources, it is not considered feasible to develop new facilities for recreation or tourism at the site.
• As a former Alberta Transportation wayside rest stop, the function of a site like Meeting Creek PRA has been replaced by modern washroom facilities and service stations along provincial highways.
• Nearby Big Knife Provincial Park and Rochon Sands Provincial Park provide quality recreation opportunities for local residents and visitors.

Resulting Decision

• Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation has deregulated Meeting Creek Provincial Recreation Area through an Order-in-Council.
• The site has been transferred back to Alberta Transportation as crown land under their jurisdiction for departmental use.

Background

Meeting Creek PRA is located in central Alberta approximately 120 km northeast of Red Deer. The now-vacant crown land at Meeting Creek PRA totals 3.23 hectares.

Meeting Creek PRA is a former Alberta Transportation wayside site that was developed in 1980 and transferred to the Parks Division in the early 1990s. The site primarily provided a roadside stop and resting area for travellers. The proposal to deregulate Meeting Creek PRA follows its permanent closure in 2006. All facilities have been removed and the site has been reclaimed.

As part of the Plan for Parks, TPR has committed to clarifying the park system and providing quality park experiences for all Albertans. The closure and proposed deregulation of small, underused sites such as Meeting Creek will allow TPR to focus resources at sites that can provide quality recreation and/or conservation opportunities. Big Knife Provincial Park, approximately 60 km east, and Rochon Sands Provincial Park, approximately 50 km southwest of Meeting Creek PRA, are larger, well used sites that provide quality recreation opportunities for local residents and visitors.

*Disclaimer: We thank you for providing your input. Those who submit feedback will not be contacted individually regarding their submission.