Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (TPR) has recently deregulated and transferred the facility zone portion of Willow Creek Provincial Park (PP) to the Municipal District of Willow Creek for its continued operation as a public recreation site. The rest of Willow Creek PP will continue to be managed by TPR.
Willow Creek PP is located in southern Alberta, northwest of the Town of Claresholm. In 2005, the MD of Willow Creek agreed to take over operation of the facility zone of the park, with the understanding that the site would be formally transferred to the MD in the future. TPR is fulfilling that commitment to the MD of Willow Creek by completing the final administrative step in transferring the facility portion of 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 the facility zone of Willow Creek PP to the local municipality allows them greater flexibility to offer local and regional recreational and tourism opportunities. This transfer will also allow the MD to operate the site in conjunction with the nearby Pine Coulee Reservoir, which is also operated by the MD of Willow Creek.
A caveat will be placed on the title to ensure that if the MD of Willow Creek is no longer running the site for public recreation, the title will be transferred back to the province. The municipality does not have the authority to sell or transfer the site to a third party for any purpose.
Should you have any questions about the deregulation and transfer of the facility zone of Willow Creek Provincial Park, please contact Rosemary Jones, South Area Planner, Parks Division at 403-382-7703.
Media inquiries may be directed to Camille Weleschuk at 780-427-2206.
