Could Edmonton be home to a new national park?

The federal government has pledged billions of dollars to create a series of national urban parks from coast to coast, and Edmonton is interested in learning more.

The federal government has pledged billions of dollars to create a series of national urban parks from coast to coast, and Edmonton is interested in learning more.

READ MORE: Ottawa announces $130 million for network of national urban parks, including Meewasin Valley

The idea is to conserve ecological gems, help protect wildlife, conserve biodiversity, fight climate change and work with Indigenous partners to preserve culture and history.

“This will be a gift. Not only to Edmontonians today but for generations,” said Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette.

Unlike existing national parks in Elk Island, Banff and Jasper, the idea of paying to enter won’t fly in Edmonton.

“User fees are a no-go. There’s no gate to the river valley as we know it, so there’s no way to implement that, and there’s no way we’d want to. The river valley belongs to Edmontonians,” Paquette said.

Some have expressed concerns about turning over Edmonton’s greatest asset to Ottawa, but advocates, like the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, say that’s unfounded.

Northern Alberta board chair Steve Donelon said CPAWS is working with Parks Canada in various places where these parks are proposed, and there’s a level of local autonomy involved.