Exploring a National Urban Park in Edmonton’s River Valley

The National Urban Parks Program is a federal program launched in 2021 to establish a network of national urban parks in urban areas across Canada.

Many Edmontonians have heard about the discussions of the potential for a National Urban Park right here in our city. Today the Urban Planning Committee recommended to Council to proceed to the planning phase with the River Valley as the preferred study area. This will go to Council for approval at the August 2023 Council meeting. 

So what is Council deciding on and what comes next if this is passed? 

The key goals of the National Urban Parks Program are: 

• Supporting conservation in urban areas, including biodiversity protection, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

• Increasing access to and opportunities to learn about local nature and culture in urban spaces.

• Advancing reconciliation by working in collaboration with Indigenous partners.

An Edmonton national urban park is anticipated to be a multi-phase, multi-year project.

Currently, the project is near completion of the pre-feasibility phase. Proceeding to the planning phase does not commit the City to establishing a national urban park. The planning phase would provide opportunity to:

• Develop a park vision, refine site boundaries and develop phasing options.

• Define governance models and partnerships, including roles and responsibilities of the partners, and decision-making processes.

• Identify and implement priority foundational investments.

• Identify operational and capital funding requirements and a preferred funding model.

• Complete initial land assembly and operational planning.

• Evaluate impacts and risks to operations, administration, existing uses and community partners, including mitigation strategies.

Many have expressed concerns about fees or the loss of autonomy over the gem that is the Edmonton River Valley.

National urban parks do not need to be owned or administered by the federal government which is different from a traditional national park.

Additionally, I can commit that if any loss of autonomy is suggested after the planning phase, I will not support this further.

Right now, I want to make sure we give opportunities to explore flexible governance models that allow for local control and jurisdiction.

There are many council decision points to come even if this passes Council in August. After the completion of the planning phase, City Council would determine whether to enter the designation phase or withdraw from the initiative.

So based on the information provided, should the City continue to the planning phase?