The province has temporarily suspended vehicle access to all provincial parks and recreation areas.

This announcement comes after Parks Canada made a similar decision this week in regards to the country's national parks.

Effective immediately, motor vehicle access at park access points, parking lots, and staging areas will be suspended. Albertans are advised to choose recreation opportunities that are close to home, like going for a walk in their own community.

Those who do decided to travel to a provincial park or recreation site will need to do so by non-motorized means.

According to a Government of Alberta press release, last weekend revealed a disturbing trend of people not exercising physical distancing and leaving behind garbage and human waste in some provincial parks.

“We understand the need to get outdoors, but now is not the time to visit our provincial parks and recreation areas without abiding by common-sense public health and safety measures," says Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks. "We are asking all Albertans to assist us by complying with the public access restriction and to stay home during this critical time. If you have plans to travel to a provincial park or provincial recreation area, please rethink your plans. We all need to do our part to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable Albertans, including ensuring protective gear is available for the service providers that need it most. If you decide to access parks and recreation areas at this time, please leave the area better than how you found it.”

Alberta Parks facilities have been closed for more than a week to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Washrooms in parks and rec areas can only remain open if staff have access to personal protective gear for cleaning, as these scarce resources are needed in Alberta’s healthcare and social services front lines, the news release states.

The restrictions do not apply to forestry or oil and gas operations and access for First Nations and identified Metis Harvesters is still permitted, however physical distancing and mass gathering restrictions will still apply.

Enforcement officers will be doing routine checks in provincial parks and on public land and can issue fines for those who don't comply. Littering can come with a fine of up to $250.

Further information can be found HERE.

 

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