Opposition questions claim that $10M from Kananaskis park pass is improving area
Global News
But New Democrat Opposition critic Marlin Schmidt said there's evidence that upkeep still isn't keeping up with maintenance on the area.
A new fee to enter one of Alberta’s most popular mountain parks has raised millions to help upgrade and maintain Kananaskis Country, says the province’s environment minister.
“The maintenance of our recreation areas and the protection of parks and public lands are priorities for Albertans,” said Jason Nixon.
But New Democrat Opposition critic Marlin Schmidt said there’s evidence that upkeep still isn’t keeping up with maintenance on the area, which contains more than 4,000 square kilometres of mountains and foothills under various kinds of conservation protection.
He said his office has received dozens of emails detailing complaints about crumbling trails and overflowing garbage bins.
“The people I’ve heard from are generally not impressed with having to pay more to get the same level of service they were getting in 2019 before this government took over.”
The United Conservative government imposed the fee on June 1. A yearly pass for a private vehicle costs $90, or $15 per day.
That’s generated more than $10 million, said Nixon, who called the fee a great success.
“We’re getting between 75-90 per cent compliance. Which I think shows the commitment of users of Kananaskis Country to be able to conserve this beautiful landscape.”