Alberta’s Capital Region River Valley Park
Creating a legacy… for generations to come
Park Plan
”A Plan of Action for The Capital Region River Valley Park” has been completed by the RVA, and approved and unanimously adopted by each of its Municipal Council shareholders as of July 4, 2007. The 88 km. long park will cover in excess of 18,000 acres. The Plan of Action conforms to the principles of preserving and protecting this treasured natural resource while enhancing and upgrading public access, infrastructure, existing facilities and creating new opportunities to enhance the overall experience of the river valley where appropriate.
The Plan of Action integrates the existing river valley park system and connects its communities through: an extensive continuous trail system; protection of valued natural resources and wildlife; enhanced and new parks; new and enhanced river access points; upgraded and new historical facilities and interpretive centers; and a variety of other public and private sector amenities that will enhance public enjoyment of the river valley. The RVA engaged in extensive open house and workshop consultation and communication with over 400 user and stakeholder groups, landowners and members of the public, as well as a random sample telephone survey of 3000 residents of the region to solicit their input to what should go in to the Plan, as well as to how they viewed the completed Plan. Of the 5000 plus responses received, 88% indicated their support for the completed Plan of Action for the Capital Region Park River Valley Park. This showcase metropolitan park will be a defining feature of the quality of life of over 1/3 of Alberta’s population- the 1 million plus regional residents who have immediate access to the river valley, and all Albertans for generations to come. It will protect and conserve key environmental assets, provide a world class park accessible to persons form all walks of life and mobility, and contribute in a meaningful way to the diversification of Alberta’s economic opportunities, investment and tourism.
The total estimated cost of implementing the RVA Plan of Action is $605 million (2006 dollars). It includes three interrelated cost components, to be built through investment from all three orders of government and private and public contributions. The plan builds upon over $500 million that has already been invested in the Capital Region river valley over the past 50 years in parks, recreation facilities, attractions and infrastructure. The overall economic benefits of this plan are estimated at $179.1 million per year when combined with the existing $90 million in economic benefits generated annually by the existing river valley parks and recreation system.
The river valley belongs to all of us and there’s something in this for everyone- those who want to see the river valley protected and preserved, those who use the walking trails, cycle, fish, ski or canoe on the river, those who see the potential as a tourism destination, and those who want to add to our quality of life.
River Valley Factoid
Gold was a catalyst that sparked Edmonton’s evolution from a fur-trading station in 1857 into a thriving urban community by the year 1900. At Prospector’s Park in Parkland County, across the river from the Town of Devon gold panners are still actively panning for visible gold and platinum.