Help shape the future of the Ghost-Kananaskis area

Press Release

Alberta’s government is asking Albertans to share ideas on how the Ghost-Kananaskis area is used for work, recreation, conservation and much more.

Albertans are invited to provide feedback as part of Phase 1 of engagement on the draft vision and outcomes for how land should be managed in this diverse part of southern Alberta. Starting March 6, Albertans can share their input until June 5. The feedback collected will help inform the development of a draft Ghost-Kananaskis Sub-regional Plan.

The Ghost-Kananaskis sub-region covers about 6,897 square kilometres west of Calgary. It contains rolling hills, mountains, forests and glacial valleys, with a wide range of wildlife calling it home.

“Ghost and Kananaskis are some of Alberta’s most prized and beautiful natural landscapes, attracting visitors from around the world. We want to hear from anyone who lives, works or plays here so we can create a plan that helps manage the growth of recreational use, creates jobs, supports rural and Indigenous communities and strengthens sustainable conservation.”

Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

The Ghost-Kananaskis area is used for many activities, including recreation, tourism, forestry and traditional Indigenous land use. Land-use planning will help direct what activities take place in the future across this unique area.

Sub-regional plans help provide opportunities for Albertans to work and play, improve the overall landscape, and enable Indigenous traditional land uses. Phase 1 will help confirm a vision for the area and direction for recreation, tourism, natural resources and many other activities. The input from residents, Indigenous communities, local governments, industry and others will be used create a draft sub-regional plan that will be shared for feedback as part of Phase 2 later this year.

Alberta’s government will continue working with Indigenous communities and organizations, local governments, industry and others as the Ghost-Kananaskis sub-regional plan is drafted, finalized and then implemented. Ultimately, the plan will help manage the growth of recreational use, and allow for economic growth, environmental stewardship and strong communities.

Quick facts

• The Ghost-Kananaskis sub-region is located in southern Alberta west of Calgary, and encompasses South Kananaskis, Elbow-Sheep, Peter Lougheed, Spray Valley, Bluerock and Sheep River, Bow Valley and Don Getty provincial parks as well as many provincial recreation areas.
• Opportunities to get involved in this planning process are available in two phases.
  • Phase 1: Input gathered will be used to help inform the development of a draft sub-regional plan, providing a framework for how the Ghost and Kananaskis sub-regions will be managed into the future.
  • Phase 2: Gather feedback on the specific elements of a draft sub-regional plan prior to its finalization.

Related information

• Sub-regional planning engagements
• Ghost-Kananaskis Sub-regional Plan engagement
• South Saskatchewan regional planning

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