Today the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Canada’s Minister of Tourism, made an announcement, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada that the consultation process is beginning for the pre-feasibility phase for a National Urban Park in the greater Edmonton area.
Chief Tony Alexis of the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, representing the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, President Audrey Poitras of the Métis Nation of Alberta, and Mayor Amarjeet Sohi of Edmonton joined Minister Boissonnault to share the public announcement launching the National Urban Park pre-feasibility phase today at Edmonton City Hall.
“A new National Urban Park in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region would be the dream of a century. Today’s announcement brings us one step closer to that goal,” states Dr. PearlAnn Reichwein, National Urban Park Lead with the Sierra Club Canada Foundation.
A historic federal investment of $130 million will create new National Urban Parks in every province and territory. As many as six designations are planned by 2026, with a total of fifteen by 2030.
The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is one of the first urban areas under discussion for these new collaborative parks. Working with collaborators and partners, Parks Canada will focus its new National Urban Parks program on themes to protect nature, connect Canadians, and respect Indigenous Reconciliation. The pre-feasibility phase will work with Indigenous leaders and other local partners to identify opportunities. The site selection will be determined through upcoming consultations.
“It’s about an investment in resiliency, health, and wellbeing. Investing in green infrastructure all the while connecting Canadians to nature and supporting commitments to Reconciliation can have multiple benefits for a brighter future," Reichwein continues.
“The new generation of National Urban Parks brings the promise of opportunities to expand protection and enjoyment of nature and Canadian heritage in our cities. We are excited to move forward working together to share the dream of a National Urban Park.”
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