Alberta’s government has unveiled a $275-million investment plan to enhance provincial parks and public land infrastructure as part of Budget 2026.
This initiative aims to develop 900 new campsites by 2033, addressing the increasing number of visitors to the province’s outdoor spaces.
Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen announced that the upcoming fiscal year includes $87 million dedicated to more than 70 projects, including campground, day-use area, and trail enhancements, according to an article by Central Alberta Online.
“This funding will help support various projects around our province making outdoor recreation easier, safer and more enjoyable for Albertans and visitors alike,” Loewen said.
The province’s capital plan outlines a multi-year funding strategy, with $87 million allocated for 2026-27, followed by $102 million in 2027-28 and $88 million in 2028-29. These funds are intended to refurbish existing infrastructure and build new amenities to ensure the sites are preserved for future generations.
Specific projects slated for the 2026-27 period include a new campground loop at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park and the replacement of the shower building at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park. Improvements are also planned for the Whitegoat Creek Falls trails and the development of the Crowsnest Lake day-use area.
In the Livingstone-Macleod riding, MLA Chelsae Petrovic noted that over $5.2 million is designated for local projects. These include electrical improvements at Cottonwood Campground at Oldman Dam Provincial Recreation Area and modernization efforts at Waterton Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area.
Beyond campgrounds, the government plans to expand trail networks in high-use locations like the Canmore area and public land use zones. Recent completions, such as the new seawall at Carson-Pegasus Provincial Park and a check-in building at Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, serve as precursors to this larger expansion.
The investment supports the recently released Alberta’s Plan for Parks and the Crown Land Recreation and Conservation Strategy. These provincial plans focus on improving recreation access while maintaining a commitment to protecting natural landscapes.
Industry representatives, including Gerry Haracsi of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association of Alberta, noted that these funds fuel economic growth through RV tourism and local jobs. Stephen Allan, executive director of the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association, added that such infrastructure “helps sustain jobs in tourism, hospitality and the recreation sector.”
This investment is significant for the outdoor recreation industry as it directly addresses capacity constraints by expanding inventory, modernizing essential utilities for RV travelers, and ensuring that public infrastructure can support the economic demands of a growing tourism sector.