Kananaskis Conservation Pass revenue brings in millions, area improvements underway: province
The government of Alberta says a Kananaskis Country user fee implemented in June is already having a positive impact on the area.
Alberta Parks Minister Jason Nixon says $10 million has been raised through the purchase of approximately 253,000 passes this year.
He says that money is going toward trail maintenance, waste management and facility upkeep in K-Country.
Nixon also says 20 conservation officers have been hired thanks to the Kananaskis Conservation Pass. Those officers focus on education and enforcement; two things the province says is needed as visits to the area spike.
The implementation of the pass was controversial when it was announced over the summer. Many in the area, which encompasses more than 4,000 square kilometres, agreed money was needed for upkeep and maintenance but critics worried not all of the revenue would be directed into the immediate space.
Nixon aimed to dispel those worries Monday. He says every dollar raised through passes has thus far been used for its intended purpose.
A government press release says about $15 million is being directed to improvements in Kananaskis Country including design upgrades to the Canmore Nordic Centre, modernizing William Watson Lodge and improving Yamnuska Trail.
As of June 1, all vehicles stopping in K-Country and the Bow Valley Corridor must have a pass.
They're available online for $15 per vehicle per day or a yearly pass may be purchased for $90.
Eventually, officers will enforce the change with fines of up to $150. Nixon says that hasn't happened yet, but that compliance this year is believed to be as high as 90 per cent.
The NDP's Environment and Parks critic Marlin Schmidt said in a statement that the UCP is being hypocritical and demonstrating a lack of self-awareness.
"As Albertans struggle to make ends meet as the cost of everything continues to go up, the UCP has imposed a fee on nature while spending billions of dollars on corporate handouts and millions on their failed War Room," it read.
"Just today, the UCP managed to find money for a 10 per cent raise for one of their MLAs while telling Albertans they don’t have enough money to protect our parks.
"Before coming to Albertans for more fees, the UCP needs to take a look at their priorities and get their fiscal house in order."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.