After calling off in-person information sessions on plans for Bighorn Country due to safety concerns, the province has rescheduled the meetings for early February.
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In November, Alberta’s environment minister announced plans for eight new parks covering 4,000 square kilometres in the Bighorn area, along the eastern edges of Banff and Jasper national parks.
Residents and area officials have raised concerns about how the project might affect oil and gas exploration, the forestry industry and off-road vehicle use.
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The Bighorn plan is supported by 37 former top provincial biologists in a letter sent to the premier earlier this month.
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The issue became contentious and the in-person sessions were replaced by telephone town halls.
Now, the province is comfortable rescheduling the public information meetings. Each of the sites has undergone a safety and security review.
Drayton Valley
Friday, Feb. 1
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Clean Energy Technology Centre
5400 22 Ave.
Edmonton
Saturday, Feb. 2
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Polish Hall
10960 104 St.
Red Deer
Sunday, Feb. 3
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Westerner Centre
4847A 19 St.
Sundre
Monday, Feb. 4
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion
135 6 St. S.E.
People can also review the proposal and weigh in on the project through an online survey.
The Alberta government said on Jan. 23 that “engagement has already reached more than 30,000 people, as well as municipalities, recreation groups, small businesses and industrial operators.”