RADF Investment: $1.29 million

Other Investment: $78,330

Total Investment: $1.37 million

Project Period: September 2009–February 2012

T: 780.898.7275
E: [email protected]

Project Description

Support from the Rural Alberta Development Fund will allow the development of a community-based and community-led parks management model for the newly established Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. This unique management model will be the catalyst for environmentally sustainable economic, education, and tourism development in the area, while building partnerships between all users of public lands.

The non-profit Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council is a partnership between Brazeau County, the Town of Drayton Valley, non-profit recreation groups, local industry, environmental organizations, and the Parks Division of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation.

Expected Outcomes and Benefits

All projects go through a selection process to ensure they will improve the quality of life for Albertans. This project meets this objective through the following outcomes and benefits:

• Develop a community-based management plan
• Create new tourism-based economic and educational opportunities
• Develop stable and long-term fundraising and financial plans for community operators
• Create access controls to minimize environmental effects while offering best-in-class facilities
• Complete a management plan and noise-impact assessment
• Identify potential funders and tourism operators
• Conduct recreational-needs assessment