Thank you for your question. There are several plans that propose potential trail connections for different types of trails to Big Island from surrounding communities and the river valley trail network. While the City of Edmonton’s Ribbon of Green SW+NE Plan provides direction on trails around the area, the City has not formalized or sanctioned single track trails for the areas surrounding Big Island. A detailed trail strategy is needed to allow for further site-specific assessment of trails, so that we can move towards a trail system that meets recreational demand without compromising ecological function. An ecological assessment and traditional land use study are currently being completed to assess the area’s sensitivity and will help to inform next steps on trail alignment. 

Thank you for your question. If Big Island is established as a provincial park, site-specific planning by the three governments would occur to determine what kinds of nature-based tourism and economic development activities and programming are appropriate for the site based on engagement feedback, technical studies identifying ecological and cultural values and sensitivities, and alignment with the proposed vision and planning principles. While no specific opportunities have yet been considered for Big Island, some examples of nature-based economic development and tourism opportunities include guided tours associated with the ecological and historic values, outdoor skill development such as paddling, and Indigenous cultural programming.

Hello, our standard practice is to only post one webinar as the information presented is identical. However, the transcript has been reviewed and the unique questions that were not answered in the second webinar including responses are available through the following link.

Big Island Information Webinar June 27 Q&A

Thank you for your question. A similar question about trail connectivity was addressed during the June 27th Informational Webinar. We have provided information on questions asked and responses given in the following document. Big Island Information Webinar June 27 Q&A

Here is the response given in that document: The City of Edmonton’s Ribbon of Green Strategy and the River Valley Alliance’s Plan of Action both identify future trail networks with connections to Big Island. A top of bank trail is also identified in the Riverview Area Structure Plan and Neighbourhood Structure Plan to connect the surrounding community to Big Island. The three government partners are working with City of Edmonton planners and the developers of the Riverview community to ensure Big Island will be connected to regional trails and the surrounding community. Detailed site planning, which will be informed by the ecological assessment and traditional-land use study, will identify sensitive areas as well as areas to showcase, and help inform the extent and location of a sustainable trail system.

Thank you for your feedback and sharing your concerns as an adjacent resident. There are no parks in the Alberta Parks system that are monitored with 24-hour on-site security. However, enforcement officers patrol parks regularly and are able to respond to emerging issues, and in coordination with local police. Of note, the Crown land at Big Island is currently public land managed under the Public Lands Act, and uses such as random camping and open fires are currently permitted. Establishment of this area as a provincial park would enable officers to enforce park regulations, and provide a broader suite of tools to manage use. We are proposing through engagement that overnight camping would not be permitted, and day-use would be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Fires would only be permitted in designated receptacles at picnic sites.

Within the Alberta Parks system, regulation, enforcement and compliance activities are essential to ensure that visitor rules are implemented and unsustainable site uses are mitigated or stopped. Regulations are enforced by conservation officers (peace officers in the Province of Alberta), and they work closely with local police authorities to ensure the safety of park visitors and the surrounding area. The enforcement and patrol frequency for Big Island has not yet been determined, but will be discussed with our project partners the City of Edmonton and Enoch Cree Nation if the park is established. However, we encourage you to submit feedback about the potential impacts of the proposed provincial park on you and your property through the engagement survey, as this will help us to understand concerns and prioritize operational needs.

Alberta Environment and Parks is in discussion with adjacent landowners about the potential purchase of property to facilitate access by land. Negotiations are ongoing, and we are not able to share information or maps with the public about specific access options on private property. If this land is purchased and becomes Crown-owned, we will be able to share more information with the public about planned access points.  

The Government of Alberta is committed to funding the ongoing operation of Big Island as part of the Alberta Parks system. Engagement on the proposal to establish this park is occurring now, and feedback received from public, stakeholders and Indigenous communities will help to shape the final establishment proposal. This includes gathering feedback on potential amenities, facilities and/or services in the proposed park. The extent of amenities, facilities or services approved for the park will in turn impact the operational budget, as well as other management needs that may be identified through the traditional land use study and ecological assessment which are underway now. For example, the ecological assessment will determine the extent and severity of invasive weeds and recommended areas for restoration, which will impact operational funding needs. The establishment proposal for Big  Island will be refined following engagement and based on study results, and ultimately will be provided to Alberta’s Government for decision, along with estimated capital and operational costs. This decision is anticipated for Fall 2022.

A specific operating budget for Big Island has not yet been determined. The three governments are guided by a Terms of Reference that they co-developed to work collaboratively toward the establishment of Big Island Provincial Park. If the park is established, the Terms of Reference would be updated to guide how the three governments would undertake long-term management and operation, and this includes funding detail.

Alberta Environment and Parks is in discussion with a number of landowners with property surrounding Big Island; and information about specific access points can be shared if AEP purchases this land. If this land is secured, access planning would accommodate walk in, wheelchair, and river access, and work towards formalizing vehicle access points off 199 Street, with parking located outside of the floodway.