The Government of Alberta has started consultation on the draft Lower Athabasca regional plan, the first draft regional plan under the Land-use Framework.

The Lower Athabasca region in northeastern Alberta covers more than 93,000 square kilometres, and contains most of the province's oil sands deposits, large tracts of boreal forest, and the communities of Fort McMurray , Bonnyville, Cold Lake and Lac La Biche.  The region is widely seen as the economic engine of the country.

We believe the draft plan strikes a good balance between economic development and social and environmental considerations.  There is good news in this draft plan for Tourism, Parks and Recreation:

o        3 new wildland parks

o        10 new provincial recreation areas

o        6 areas designated for recreation and tourism development

o        Developing Lakeland Country as an iconic tourism destination

o        Developing a regional trails system

More information about these highlights and what they mean for our department will be posted on the Land-use Framework section of our intranet in the near future.

The government wants to hear what Albertans have to say about the draft plan, and I encourage you, your friends, neighbors and families to participate in the consultation.  I especially hope those of you living and working in the Lower Athabasca region will participate in this important process.

Albertans are encouraged to read the regional plan and submit comments by mail or online by June 6.

Public input sessions will take place between April 18 and May 19, and TPR staff will be on hand to hear what people have to say and to answer questions.

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard on getting the draft Lower Athabasca plan ready for consultation.  Alberta ’s first regional plan is a significant milestone under the Land-use Framework and will serve as the model for regional planning across the province.  The decisions made today will influence land-use planning for years to come.  We hope that all Albertans will get involved.