Tag: Alberta

Alberta abruptly cancels request for drone surveillance to watch campers on public land – CBC News

May 20, 2021

Minister of parks and environment says no one in his office approved the request for proposals

Michelle Bellefontaine · CBC News · Posted: May 18, 2021 12:02 PM MT | Last Updated: May 18

Parks across Alberta are seeing an influx of users, leaving more garbage and concerns about trespassing. (Wallis Snowdon/CBC)

The Alberta government on Tuesday abruptly cancelled a request for proposals seeking a contractor to provide long-range drones to help with enforcement of camping on public lands this summer.

Posted on Friday, the RFP suggested Alberta Environment and Parks planned to use drones to take photos and video of “designated areas” of public lands over four weekends this summer and fall.

“ISR (Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance) collection will take place within designated areas in Alberta between July 1–4, 2021, July 31- August 3, 2021, September 4-7, 2021 and October 9-12, 2021 … to include detection of campfires, off-highway vehicles operating in restricted areas, gatherings of ten (10) or more individuals, and officer safety support,” the bid document stated.

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Lower visits, revenue reported as pandemic measures created unpredictable ski season -CHAT News Today.ca

May 5, 2021

May 3, 2021 9:42 AM

CALGARY — Measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic made for a bumpy ride for most of the ski and snowboard industry in Canada, as revenues slumped even at resorts that were able to maintain near-normal lift ticket sales in a season that’s coming to a close.

While some resorts are reporting increases in visits thanks to local support, most were hurt by the loss of well-heeled international guests as well as COVID-19 related disruptions to food and guest services, said Paul Pinchbeck, CEO of the Canadian Ski Council.

“Across Canada, we’re probably looking at a 35 to 40 per cent decline in our total revenues,” he said in an interview, though he noted the impact varies widely from region to region.

Western resorts cater to a destination traveller who spends more money, “whereas the eastern resorts and the small resorts tend to have a local who comes all the time, but doesn’t have quite as high a spend.”

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A pathway to Airdrie? How a citizen’s proposal captured the city’s imagination – CBC News

April 30, 2021

Airdrie, Rocky View County and Calgary would need to work together to make this pitch a reality

Helen Pike · CBC News · Posted: Apr 28, 2021 7:50 AM MT | Last Updated: April 28

Matthew Hicks bikes to Airdrie at least once a week to meet with clients for his photography business. (Helen Pike/CBC)

Airdrie is seriously considering a bike and pedestrian pathway that would connect the city to Calgary. 

Last week, the Airdrie city council reviewed a pitch complete with costs, stakeholders to engage, and a planned-out route to pave the path — and the idea, funnily enough, was presented by a Calgary-based photographer.

About a year ago, Matthew Hicks invested in an electronic cargo bike to cut his emissions for client meetings and shoots in Calgary. But he quickly realized that between pedaling and the extra electric-assisted power, he could push his bike range to Airdrie. 

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Alberta Parks establishes $90 a year park pass for Kananaskis Country – Cochrane Today

April 29, 2021

he government of Alberta is establishing a Kananaskis Conservation Pass that will see vehicles charged a per day, or annual fee to access the region’s provincial parks and recreation areas, including those located in the Bow Valley corridor.a day ago By: Tanya Fouber

20210417 Heart Creek 0004Several dozen cars park along the Lac des Arcs highway exit and along the road to the Heart Creek trail head parking lot on Saturday (April 17). The parking lot was full. EVAN BUHLER RMO PHOTO

KANANASKIS COUNTRY— The government of Alberta is establishing a Kananaskis Conservation Pass that will see vehicles charged a per day or annual fee to access the region’s provincial parks and recreation areas in the Bow Valley corridor. 

Starting June 1, 2021, visiting K-country will cost recreational users $15 a day or $90 a year per vehicle. The regions a pass would be required includes popular hiking areas along Highway 1A, the Trans-Canada Highway and those accessed through trailheads in Canmore and around, such as Grassi Lakes. 

Environment and Parks Minister Jason Nixon said Tuesday (April 27) 100 per cent of the revenues from the initiative will go directly into managing of the area and conservation initiatives to protect it into the future. 

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Two new amenities coming to Harmony in Springbank – Canada.com

August 31, 2020

MYKE THOMAS Updated: August 29, 2020

Construction has started on a new residents’ amenities building in the community of Harmony, the first lake community in Springbank, just west of Calgary.

The South Beach Building will be located at the east entrance to the South Beach in the community and will be home to change rooms, washrooms, outdoor showers, guest entry kiosk and bike racks.

“The South Beach Building is the first Owners’ Association facility to be constructed in Harmony,” says Vanessa Jollimore, administrator for the Owners’ Association of Harmony. “It will be an amazing addition to the beach experience for residents and their guests next summer.”

Harmony in Springbank SUPPLIED PHOTO / POSTMEDIA FILE PHOTO

Also under construction is Harmony’s Adventure Park, which will complement the future Beach Club and will be constructed over three years. Phase one of the park is expected to be ready for the residents to use this winter.

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Inexperienced Canadian campers leaving waste behind, and risking injury and animal conflict, warn experts – CBC Radio

August 22, 2020

Many areas lack critical infrastructure to handle high volume of tourists: Nick Frank

CBC Radio · Posted: Aug 20, 2020 3:03 PM ET

With holidays overseas on hold, Canadians are exploring the great outdoors at home, but not all of them are leaving it as great as they found it.  

“Most of the campers [behave] very well, but there is always that one per cent,” said Nick Frank, a backcountry camper and president of the Nordegg Community Association in Alberta.

“We’re seeing more garbage, we’re seeing human waste, we’re seeing animal conflicts,” he told The Current’s guest host Duncan McCue.

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Projects plentiful at Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park – by Noel Eddy, Cochrane Now

August 13, 2020

The first of what is hoped to be three sunshades in the Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park is now being enjoyed by park visitors.

The sunshade was funded by The Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail) in honour of Alberta statesman and former premier Jim Prentice, who was known for his passionate support and interest in parks and conservation.

Designed and built by Capital Renovations, the shelter is meant to look like a traditional farmer’s lean-to with plenty of seating for a rest or picnic. The wide opening of the shelter was designed with wheelchairs and large strollers in mind. It’s located on the west side of the park along the Bowbend Trail.

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The construction of this sunshade was completed last week. It was funded by the Trans Canada Trail in memory of Jim Prentice, Alberta statesman and former premier. (Photo/GRPF Facebook)

Trail fees in Bighorn Country being discussed as area becomes overrun with campers – City News

August 6, 2020

by Taylor Braat, Derek Craddock

POSTED AUG 4, 2020 8:39 AM MDT

https://edmonton.citynews.ca/video/iframe/593482582001/SyxzIeNcgb/6177858256001?auto_play_switch=false

CALGARY (CityNews) – The Bighorn Country area has been overrun with campers, garbage, and a lack of social distancing. Now trail fees are being discussed at the provincial level.

The large piece of land near Sundre and Rocky Mountain House is becoming a popular go-to this summer as Albertans flock to nature, one of few reprieves from the city and the reality of COVID-19.

A June report from the Bighorn Backcountry Standing Committee said garbage is being left behind, social distancing isn’t happening, and large groups are camping in random areas.

The Alberta Hiking Association is now proposing camping fees, and it has provincial support.

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Pandemic prompting increase in area mountain biking interest – CHAT News Today

July 23, 2020

MEDICINE HAT, AB – It may be a four hour drive from Medicine Hat to the Rocky Mountains, but its surrounding mountain bike trails are regarded as some of Alberta’s best.

Entering the dog days of summer, it appears as though more locals are catching on to what the local landscape has to offer.

The 670 Collective, who design and maintain much of the 60 kilometres of biking trails located in and around Medicine Hat, say popularity of the sport has taken off during the course of the pandemic.

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Calgary through the eyes of new bike riders – CBC

June 17, 2020

In an empty school parking lot in southwest Calgary, Candi DeVetten practises riding her new bike. 

She teeters at first, reaching out a foot to stop from falling. DeVetten finds her balance and tries again. Soon, she is off, riding smoothly and sporting a big grin. 

“It feels so freeing,” says DeVetten, 32, who learned how to ride a bike for the first time in mid-May.

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