Alberta’s government is working with Enoch Cree Nation and the City of Edmonton to establish Big Island Provincial Park in southwest Edmonton in the North Saskatchewan River Valley. This extraordinary park will be an area where Albertans can experience the benefits of exploring the river valley now and for generations to come.
Planning and engagement is underway with the City of Edmonton and Enoch Cree Nation through a tri-government partnership. Provincial grants of $300,000 are supporting an ecological assessment and traditional land use study in 2021.
These studies will inform sustainable recreation opportunities for the future park, while making sure Indigenous rights are respected and sensitive habitat and wildlife are protected.
Consultation with the public and Indigenous communities is being planned for 2022, and establishment of the park is targeted for 2023.
Big Island is a 68-hectare parcel of provincial Crown land along the North Saskatchewan River in southwest Edmonton.
The area has a rich history. It is traditional territory of Indigenous Peoples. In the early 20th century, Big Island became a popular tourist and picnic destination - by steamboat.
The area contains abundant wildlife, mature balsam forest and ecologically significant wetlands.
Currently, there is no public road access to Big Island.
Establishing Big Island will enable greater connectivity through the North Saskatchewan River Valley parks, which is Canada’s largest urban park.
