Brazeau County Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

Home , Brazeau Reservoir, Buck Lake (Alberta), North Saskatchewan River, Rocky Rapids

Brazeau County Outdoor Recreation

and Open Spaces Master Plan

DRAFT

Draft July 22 2015

Community Services Department, Brazeau County

Consultant: Eagle Point Blue Rapids Parks Council

Acknowledgements

A big thank you from Community Services Department, Brazeau County, to you!

Community Services Department gratefully acknowledges the responses, thoughtful comments and considerations brought forward by residents of Brazeau County in the development of this Outdoor recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan.

We sincerely thank all of you for your participation:

Brazeau County and residents who took the time to complete the online and paper surveys; Residents who attended open houses and public displays with staff in attendance; The Community Hall groups, volunteer outdoor recreation organizations and campgrounds operators who talked to us one-on-one and sent us comments; Brazeau County staff and Council that shared their perspectives, ideas and edits.

This Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan was undertaken at the direction of Brazeau County Council. Thank you to members of Council for your foresight and for providing the impetus for preparing and completing this Master Plan, which when implemented, will enhance the County residents’ quality of life by ensuring future outdoor recreation facilities, programs and open spaces management that responds to the needs of the residents.

Executive Summary

This plan – the Brazeau County Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan – adopted a visionary yet practical approach and philosophy to guide outdoor recreation and open space planning in Brazeau County today and for the next ten years. The Master Plan is a County initiative that will provide the County with guidance and specific action items to develop a system of trails, campgrounds, day-use areas, other outdoor recreation facilities and managed open spaces for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

This Master Plan is a resource for the community and is an outcome of Brazeau County Council’s implementation of relevant sections of the 2011 Municipal Development Plan and a logical next step further to the 2010 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan, an earlier effort that provided some solid background information such as community consultations and general directions for moving forward.

At the heart of this Master Plan is a vision that provides the long term guidance necessary to achieve a desired system of outdoor recreation opportunities and open spaces management: Brazeau County is a place where high quality outdoor recreational facilities, services and open spaces increase the quality of life, protect the environment while promoting economic development, and make the Brazeau region a desirable place to live, work, play and stay.

The main elements of the Master Plan include:

1. An inclusive and public engagement program that achieved community-focussed direction; 2. A review of existing plans, surveys and policies that influence this Master Plan; 3. A review of the natural setting of Brazeau County, including opportunities and constraints; 4. A review of existing outdoor recreation facilities; 5. Recommendations for specific capital and operational projects that focus on incremental developments over 1, 4 and 10 years.

Community consultation was the most important method of information collection to inform the recommendations in this Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. The community groups consulted included: General Public, County Council and Administration, Non-Profit Recreation Organizations and Clubs, Community Hall Associations, and Campground Operators. The methods of consultations included: recreation satisfaction and planning surveys, information booths at community events, organization-specific consultations, and community association- specific consultations. The consultations informed the content of this Plan.

By talking to and getting residents input through the public engagement program, the Master Plan was able to make many recommendations for specific facilities and programs, including:

- Trails: such as walking trails, ATV trails, equestrian trails;

- Campgrounds: including ATV-friendly campground; RV campgrounds; primitive, walk- in/paddle to campgrounds; - Day-use areas: that includes at least picnic tables, fire pits and garbage receptacles; - Boat launches: on the North Saskatchewan and Pembina Rivers; - Community trout pond and pheasant release area; - Parks, Natural Areas and provincial crown lands program; - Reserve and easement program; - Volunteer private lands stewardship and access program; - Community hall associations and volunteer organizations support program; - Tourism, marketing, and outreach program; - New and amendments to County policies and by-laws.

The Master Plan recognizes that natural systems and outdoor recreational interests do not respect man-made boundaries, such as county and municipal boundaries. Consequently, working closely and cooperatively with adjacent jurisdictions to ensure the continuation of open spaces and outdoor recreation facilities in terms of trails, public access, landscapes and wildlife areas is critical to open spaces management and outdoor recreation.

Conceptual options are summarized and priorized for ten-year, four-year and one-year implementation periods. Full implementation over ten years is estimated to cost $6,105,000; the first four years is estimated to cost $3,680,000, and; the first year is estimated to cost $725,000 ($430,000 for capital expenditures and $295,000 for operational expenditures). The costs are not full costs for all, as they only include costs assumed to be under the potential purview of either or both of Brazeau County and the Town of Drayton Valley. Other partners such as the private and philanthropic sectors (e.g., Rotary Club) and provincial agencies (e.g., Alberta Parks) could very well have roles in investing in delivery of all options that are presented in this plan.

It is important to note that although this plan makes trail, easement and stewardship suggestions regarding private lands, participation and therefore implementation is totally voluntary on behalf of the landowner. For example, conceptual “trails” in this plan are notional in that no access permissions from landowners have yet been obtained.

It is also important to note that this Master Plan should be a “living plan” in that it should be regularly reviewed and updated as new options arise or old options are rejected, as funding opportunities arise and disappear, and as County priorities evolve.

Contents

Executive Summary ...... 4

1. Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan – the big picture ...... 9 1.2 Outdoor recreation activities and open space trends ...... 11 1.3 Why this Plan is needed ...... 14 1.4 Brazeau County’s 2010 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan ...... 14 1.5 Alignment with Brazeau County’s Municipal Development Plan ...... 15 1.6 The relationship to other County documents...... 17 1.7 Brazeau County’s vision and priorities for outdoor recreation and open spaces ...... 17 1.8 Balance among recreation, industry and the environment ...... 18 1.9 Scope of Plan ...... 18 1.10 Process and timeline...... 19

2. Community engagement ...... 20 2.1 Community engagement process ...... 20 2.2 Community engagement key findings ...... 27

3. Natural setting factors that influence this plan ...... 33 3.1 Natural Setting context ...... 33 3.2 Natural attributes ...... 33 3.2.1 Significant biophysical features in existing parks/conservation areas ...... 33 3.2.3 Significant hydrological features (rivers, streams, wetlands) ...... 34 3.2.4 Natural Regions and Subregions ...... 34 3.2.5 Environmentally Significant Areas ...... 35 3.2.6 Huge areas of public green space ...... 35 3.3 Biophysical constraints (flooding; wetlands; riparian areas) ...... 41

4. Existing outdoor recreation and open space opportunities ...... 43 4.1 Parks and related open spaces ...... 43 4.1.1 Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area ...... 43 4.1.2 North Saskatchewan River Valley ...... 43 4.1.3 Brazeau reservoir and river valley ...... 44

4.1.4 Pembina River ...... 45 4.1.5 Natural Areas and provincial public lands (Crown/Green Spaces) ...... 46 4.2 Facilities and infrastructure ...... 47 4.2.1 Campgrounds ...... 47 4.2.2 Day-use/picnic areas ...... 48 4.2.3 Staging areas ...... 48 4.2.4 Boat launches ...... 48 4.2.5 Trails (surfaced and un-surfaced) and Paths / Waterways ...... 48 4.2.6 Community Halls ...... 49 4.3 Key organizations ...... 50

5. The Master Plan: Ten-year general plan ...... 52 5.1 Facilities and infrastructure ...... 52 5.1.1 Conceptual expansion of the Drayton Valley-Rocky Rapids trail system and consultations for a Breton trail system ...... 52 5.1.2 Development of other trail systems ...... 55 5.1.3 Inter-municipal all-terrain vehicle trail system ...... 63 5.1.4 Family-oriented ATV areas: Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area east of river 65 5.1.5 Campgrounds ...... 70 5.1.6 Picnic / Day-use areas ...... 81 5.1.7 Paddling, boating, and floating ...... 87 5.1.8 Community pasture for wild turkey / pheasant release ...... 89 5.1.9 Community trout pond ...... 90 5.2 Programs and services ...... 91 5.2.1 Parks, Natural Areas and provincial crown lands program ...... 91 5.2.2 Reserve and easement program ...... 93 5.2.3 Volunteer private lands stewardship and access program...... 96 5.2.4 Tourism, marketing, and outreach program ...... 97 5.2.5 Policies and by-laws (new and amendments) ...... 98

6. The Master Plan: Ten-, four- & one-year implementation options ...... 100 6.1 Summary of ten-year options and County costs ...... 100 6.2 Summary of County costs to implement four-year priority options ...... 102 6.3 Summary of County costs to implement one-year priority options ...... 104

Glossary ...... 105

Appendix A. Outdoor recreation activities and open spaces trends ...... 107 Appendix B. The relationship of this Master Plan to other County documents ...... 113 Appendix C. Best practices for campgrounds and trials ...... 125 Appendix D. Community engagement questions and results ...... 128 Appendix E. Summary of options and delivery implications...... 181

1. Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan – the big picture

In 2014, Brazeau County, though its Community Services Department, embarked on an initiative to develop a master plan for outdoor recreation and open spaces. The Eagle Point and Blue Rapids Parks Council was contracted to lead the plan for the benefit of the region’s residents and businesses.

This Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan will serve as a guide, helping the County make informed decisions about the future of outdoor recreation and open spaces.

1.1 Brazeau County setting and history

Brazeau County is located in west central Alberta, situated between the Rocky Mountains and the provincial capital of Edmonton, and contains large tracts of Crown and wilderness lands in and adjacent to its boundaries. Yellowhead, Parkland, Leduc, Wetaskiwin and Clearwater counties border Brazeau County (Map 1)

The Town of Drayton Valley, Village of Breton, and the Hamlets of Buck Creek, Cynthia, Lindale, Lodgepole, Poplar Ridge, Rocky Rapids, Violet Grove, and Birchwood Village Green (a private recreational village) are all in the municipal boundaries of Brazeau County. The County contains approximately 3,016 square kilometres of land. Residents enjoy half the average population density in the province, which makes it attractive for people who truly want to experience and enjoy a rural lifestyle.

Early settlement in Brazeau County began with the emergence of regional lumber and fur trades. Soon after, agriculture became a major contributor to the County’s economic growth and population, and, along with forestry, remains one of the largest land use activities in the region. The discovery of the Pembina Oil Fields in 1953 led to the creation of oil-based industry in Brazeau County. The exploration, extraction, processing and servicing of these oilfields represents the primary economic base of Brazeau County. Based on the development of these industries, Brazeau County has experienced a steady rise in population, particularly in recent years. In the 2011 Census, Brazeau County had a population of 7,201 living in 2,693 of its 2,852 total dwellings, a 2.3% change from its 2006 population of 7,040. With a land area of 3,020.71 km2 (1,166.30 sq mi), it had a population density of 2.4/km2 (6.2/sq mi) in 2011. Along with Drayton Valley, Breton and O’Chiese 203, which have populations totalling 8,296 (7,049 are in Drayton Valley), the population of the region is 15,497.

Of the County’s workforce population, approximately 30% are employed in business and community service fields. The next largest employment categories by workforce size are natural resource extraction, agriculture, construction, retail services and transportation. Brazeau County’s uniquely diverse economic base allows local residents, business owners and visitors to pursue a wide variety of business opportunities, residential lifestyle options, and recreational activities.

Map 1. Brazeau County setting.

1.2 Outdoor recreation activities and open space trends

There is an abundance of surveys and reports, from local to provincial to international levels, on the growing importance of outdoor recreation and open spaces to local residents and to visitors and tourists (Appendix A).

Key information and major implications from these surveys and reports that are related to this Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan for Brazeau County includes the following.

The Alberta Recreational Survey 20131 provides information on the Public Opinion Survey on Recreation, which was developed in 1981, and conducted every four years, to determine participation patterns of Albertans and the factors which influence their recreation activity choices. This survey concluded:

Activity Participation – High levels of participation in leisure and recreational activities (97.6% of Albertans, 98.7% of households). The most popular types of activities are physical activities, outdoor activities, and creative/cultural activities. First Favourite Activity: Most popular activities are walking (12.9% first favourite), golf (8.7% first favourite), and camping (8.0% first favourite). The preferred location for participation is parks or outdoor spaces (58.3%). Top three motivations for participation include for pleasure (89.3%), to relax (85.9%) and for physical health/exercise (83.1%). The location for first favourite activity (Walking – 12.9%; Golf – 8.7%; Camping – 8.0%; Bicycling – 4.7%) is Parks or Outdoor Spaces. In terms of trends, the results of this survey are similar to the previous survey in 2008, with the major exception that bicycling has recently gained in popularity.

The major specific implication for this Master Plan of the results of this survey and a survey of Albertans related to physical activity (which does not include planning for golf courses) is:

For attracting Alberta-based tourists, strive to provide high quality parks and open spaces that accommodate the desire to walk, camp and bicycle and that market the highlights of these opportunities in terms of facilities, nature attractions, and health benefits.(From the Alberta Recreational Survey 2013)

A previous recreational survey for Brazeau County2 reported the following highlights and also compared a few of the County-specific results with the broader Alberta survey, as follows:

1 Alberta Government Report March 2014 http://www.tpr.alberta.ca/recreation/resources/research-analytics/recreation-survey/recreation-survey- results/pdf/AB-Rec-2013-ReportFinal.pdf 2 O2 Planning and Design Ltd. 2010. Recreation Needs Assessment: Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. 11

ATV riding – 36% of survey respondents in Brazeau County reported that they used ATV or snowmobile trails compared to only 15% of provincial respondents. Overnight camping – 50% of surveyed households in Brazeau County reported that they used campgrounds a few times a year whereas 40% of provincial respondents reported that their household took part in overnight camping in the past year. Equestrian riding – 12% of individuals surveyed in Brazeau County reported that they used equestrian facilities a few times a year, whereas 8% of provincial respondents reported having gone horseback riding in the past year. Walking trails – Just under 50% of respondents indicated that they used walking trails in the County with 16% reporting that they used walking trails every week or almost every day. Campgrounds – Approximately 70% of respondents reported that their household used campgrounds Random use activities – 54% of respondents indicated that they engage in random use activities in undeveloped areas of the County with one-third of respondents indicating that they do so at least a few times each year. Additional recreation opportunities – 25% of respondents indicated that there is a need for additional outdoor facilities in the County with additional ATV and walking trails being the most frequently suggested.

The major specific implication for this Master Plan of the results of this earlier Brazeau County survey is:

For attracting Alberta-based tourists and meeting the needs of County residents, strive to provide high quality ATV trails and campgrounds that accommodate ATV users, while providing a variety of other outdoor recreation opportunities such as equestrian and walking trails. Market and promote the unique opportunities (e.g., ATVs) and the combination of opportunities (e.g., ATV + equestrian + walking + camping). (From the O2 Planning and Design Ltd. 2010. Recreation Needs Assessment: Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area)

In terms of examining broader outdoor recreation interest in order to attract tourists, the 2014 US report on outdoor recreation participation3 found that:

In 2013, a record number of Americans — 142.6 million — participated in at least one outdoor activity and collectively, went on 12.1 billion outdoor outings. Outdoor participation among youth and young adults showed promise. Participation among adolescents ages 13 to 17 levelled off, while participation among children ages six to 12 and young adults ages 18 to 24 made modest gains. Together, the youngest generation got out to enjoy an outdoor activity almost five billion times with an annual average of 99 outdoor outings. That compares to the 77 annual outings participants ages 25 and up took in 2013. The most popular activities among young people, in terms of overall participation, continued to be running, biking, fishing, camping and hiking. Running, biking and

3 Outdoor Recreation Foundation. 2014. Outdoor Recreation Participation Top Line Report. http://www.outdoorfoundation.org/research.participation.2014.topline.html 12

skateboarding were among their top five favorite activities as measured by frequency. Adults reported similar favorite outdoor pursuits.

The American Recreation Coalition’s report on outdoor recreation outlook for 20114 reported: Outdoor recreation is a large and varied force in the leisure choices of the American public. Generating more than $400 billion in annual spending, outdoor recreation is shaped by America’s public lands and waters – which cover one-third of the surface of the nation. The outdoor recreation industry is dominated by small, responsive businesses. Technology is also a friend of outdoor recreation, with lighter and stronger skis and bikes and new electronic devices, like hand-held GPS units and digital cameras, adding to the fun of the outdoors. The snowmobile industry forecasts an increase in snowmobiling activity. 78 percent of current RVers are planning to use their RVs as often or more than last year, up 6 percent. Sales of RVs are being buoyed by the introduction of eco-friendly new RVs that incorporate green technologies and are smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic and more fuel efficient. Interest in recreational boating is increasing. For adventure sports, shorter day trips near metro areas or destination attractions are enjoying high demand with some companies reporting record performance. Recreational fishing has been flagged as one of the top “gateway” activities for getting people involved in outdoor recreation.

The major specific implication for this Master Plan of the results of these US surveys and reports is: For attracting US-based tourists, strive to provide high quality outdoor recreational opportunities for RVers (ie., campgrounds), AND for youth that accommodates their interest in running, biking, fishing, camping and hiking and their interest in technology. (From the American Recreation Coalition’s report on outdoor recreation outlook for 2011)

Photos: Outdoor camping (Google Images – copyright permission)

4 Outdoor Recreation Outlook 2011. Prepared for the U.S. Travel Association 2011 Marketing Outlook Forum. http://www.funoutdoors.com/files/Outdoor%20Recreation%20Trends%202011.pdf 13

1.3 Why this Plan is needed

Changing lifestyles and expectations affect community demand for enhanced recreation and open space opportunities; This Plan will help the County support a strong, shared vision for provision of outdoor recreation and open spaces; The County needs to intelligently prioritize spending and investments to reflect the needs and priorities of the community; Focussing on decentralized recreation and open spaces will help to recognize and realize opportunities in the rural extents of the County that can sometimes be overlooked; This Plan will help the County achieve goals and objectives outlined in the County Municipal Development Plan, as explained in Section 1.5. 1.4 Brazeau County’s 2010 Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan

A 2010 Brazeau County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan (by Breakwell Consulting) was completed. This plan inventoried recreation assets, conducted community consultations, reviewed the literature on recreation trends, reviewed and made recommendations regarding the County’s existing policy framework and service delivery model for outdoor recreation and open spaces management. The plan also made useful recommendations of a general nature regarding the future desired state of recreation and open spaces management, guidelines and general costs for campgrounds, indoor recreation facilities, trails and walkways, and day use areas. And it suggested general guidelines for recreation nodes (e.g., Brazeau County Reservoir Tourism Node), and the County’s role in land consolidation, natural areas establishment and stewardship, the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids parks system, inter-municipal cooperation, and community involvement.

Examples of some key recommendations in the 2010 plan include:

Campgrounds Future State Recommendation: The County provides a range of camping opportunities in a variety of natural environments that reflect Brazeau County’s diverse landscape. Campsites do not detract from the natural areas and are available in a variety of landscapes where natural features are retained. Facilities are visually reflective of the natural park experience. Residents and visitors appreciate the quality, simplicity and educational opportunities of the camping experience.

Day‐Use Areas Future State Recommendation: Where possible the County utilizes community partnerships to provide facilities, parks and open spaces with a greater diversity of recreating opportunities (both passive and active).

Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area: The development of the Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area as proposed by the Eagle

Point--‐Blue Rapids Parks Council is a significantly unique development that may offer unique amenities of a regional nature. It is recommended that the development of these parks be completed in collaboration with the Parks Council, Brazeau County, And the Town of Drayton Valley as a truly regional project. The model being developed marks a contrast to what have typically been provincially operated and funded parks, and it should be determined if sustainable provincial funding will accompany the parks development prior to the commitment of County resources.

Management Future State Recommendation: Adequate resources are allocated to parks, recreation, and open spaces activities to assess and support their ongoing sustainability. Support to assist community groups, organizations, and clubs in maximizing facility utilization rates and revenue streams will be provided to maintain and improve existing service levels.

Operating and Capital Budgets Future State Recommendation: Adequate resources are allocated to parks, recreation, and open spaces activities to assess and support their ongoing sustainability. Support to assist community groups, organizations, and clubs in maximizing facility utilization rates and revenue streams will be provided to maintain and improve existing service levels.

Inter--‐municipal and Provincial Cooperation Future State Recommendation: The County is fully engaged with its municipal and provincial partners in addressing recreational and parks needs. There is active collaboration between the County and Town of Drayton Valley and the Village of Breton on planning, development, and maintenance of regional recreation facilities. The County is an active participant in the Alberta Land Use Planning Framework, particularly as it relates to the North Saskatchewan watershed.

The 2010 plan did not make recommendations for specific recreation facilities or for open spaces management but it does provide a foundation on which to build a more comprehensive plan with specific options for development and management of facilities and sites. 1.5 Alignment with Brazeau County’s Municipal Development Plan

This Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan is a vehicle to address several of the priorities set out by Brazeau County’s Municipal Development Plan.

The Municipal Development Plan was completed in 2011, after the 2010 master plan was completed, and it recommends (page 31):

The creation of integrated open space systems throughout Brazeau County, ones that provides for active and passive recreation opportunities, should be accommodated through the creation and maintenance of a parks, recreation and open space master plan…

The following graphics highlights some of the overarching outdoor recreation and open spaces goals in Brazeau County’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (2009) as contained in the Municipal Development Plan (2011).

Healthy Lifestyles are promoted through the availability of knowledge, services, facilities and programs. (page 12)

Scenic Landscapes, both man-made and Integrated Community Recreational activities naturally forming are Sustainability Plan (2009) are available locally to created and preserved County residents and for the (Brazeau County Municipal Development visitors seeking active aesthetic enjoyment of Plan - 2011) lifestyles. (page 12) residents and visitors. (page 12)

Biodiversity is valued and human activity respects the natural environment we co-inhabit. (page 11)

The following graphic illustrates the Recreation and Active Living objectives which are a part of the Future Land Use Strategy contained in the Municipal Development Plan.

Encourage the development of future and existing recreational facilities (Objective 18: Policies 79- 83)

Encourage the development of regional trail systems and Support provincial parks and park sites throughout Future Land Use public recreation areas in Brazeau County (Objective Brazeau County (Objective Strategy: Recreation 19: Policies 84-86) 20: Policies 87-90) and Active Living (Brazeau County Municipal Development Plan)

Support the continuation Create and maintain a and development of local comprehensive parks, recreation and cultural recreation and open space Facilities (Objective 22: master plan (Objective 23: Policy 91) Policy 92)

1.6 The relationship to other County documents

This Outdoor Recreation Open Spaces Master Plan is a municipal planning document that sets long-term priorities on how open spaces and decentralized recreation facilities are to be developed and managed by Brazeau County over the next decade. If portions of this Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan are accepted by County, implementation must conform to other federal, provincial and municipal acts and legislation. Appendix B provides a review of the relationship between the Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan and federal and provincial legislation, existing plans and policies and identifies some of the many different processes that influence the development and will influence the implementation of this Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan. 1.7 Brazeau County’s vision and priorities for outdoor recreation and open spaces

Vision Statement: Brazeau County is a place where high quality outdoor recreational facilities, services and open spaces increase the quality of life, protect the environment while promoting economic development, and make the Brazeau region a desirable place to live, work, play and stay.

The priorities of the Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan are to: Support fitness and healthy lifestyles, improving the quality of life for residents; Grow tourism and outdoor wilderness adventure recreation which creates economic growth in tourism and hospitality related industry; and Promote the attractiveness of the Brazeau County Region as a place for permanent employment and relocation in order to build local economic resiliency.

Recreation and open space master plans often contain information on both centralized indoor sports facilities (e.g. skating/curling rinks, swimming pools, recreation and fitness centres) and decentralized outdoor facilities and trails (e.g. ball diamonds, community halls, campgrounds, day-use areas, natural and surfaced non-motorized and motorized trails, etc.) in the municipality. Although both types of facilities are important, this plan focuses on the decentralized, outdoor recreational facilities and open spaces in Brazeau County's administrative boundary to give full attention to the rural opportunities presented. With the lower population density previously mentioned, its location encompassing a significant portion of Crown land, and two substantial waterways, Brazeau County is in the unique position to provide wilderness recreation experiences to its residents and visitors; however, these can too easily be overlooked by traditional plans that focus on the most populous areas.

1.8 Balance among recreation, industry and the environment

This Outdoor Recreation Open Spaces Master Plan presents a host of ideas for the development of facilities that would increase and improve the enjoyment of outdoor spaces and activities. It is beyond the scope of this document to consider these developments in terms of what the natural environment can sustain, and how to integrate outdoor recreation facilities into the broader context of an economy that is strongly dependant on natural resource development. It is important that the implementation of the ideas presented in this plan is balanced by the equally important needs of the County and community such as to maintain healthy natural ecosystems, and sustain a prosperous economy.

Photo: Environmental education (EPBR Parks Council) 1.9 Scope of Plan

The scope of this Plan, as directed by Brazeau County, is to review the 2010 Brazeau County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan, consult on and update the plan, develop a four (4) year implementation plan for Council review and approval. This could include:

a) A technical review of the plan with suggested updating and refinement; b) An update and expansion of the description and assessments of the inventory of trails, park and green spaces in the County; c) Council and Administrative Staff consultations regarding plans and priorities; d) Community consultations and stakeholder engagement as directed by administration and County Council regarding parks and recreation priorities; e) An Implementation Plan with prioritized annual capital/operational development projects with costs. 1.10 Process and timeline

1 – Background research and facilities review – April to June 2014 2 – Public consultation and needs assessment – June to September 2014 3 – Initial draft plan with options and strategies – September 2014 to November 2014 4 – Review draft plan with County and revise as necessary – ongoing 5 – Consult with public on preferred options and strategies in draft plan – September 2015 6 – Final master plan –fall 2015

2. Community engagement

2.1 Community engagement process

Community consultation was the most important method of information collection to inform the recommendations of this Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. The list of organizations to be consulted was compiled through a review of all organizations related to recreation enjoyment in the County, and confirmation of the proposed list with Administration at Brazeau County. The community groups consulted have been assigned to the following broad categories:

General Public Includes residents and visitors; anyone who has an interest in the future of recreation in Brazeau County.

County Council and Administration Includes all members of 2014 / 2015 County Council. County Administration consulted throughout the development of the plan included the Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Community Services, Agricultural Fieldman and Assistant Agricultural Fieldman, Economic Development and Communications Manager, and Manager of Planning and Development. Consultations in 2015 also included the Director of Corporate Services, and Director of Planning and Development, and the Parks and Recreation Coordinator.

Non-Profit Recreation Organizations and Clubs All not-for-profit organizations involved in recreation activities in Brazeau County based outside of the boundaries of the Town of Drayton Valley were invited for consultation related to this plan.

Community Hall Associations All community hall associations in Brazeau County were invited for consultation related to this plan.

Campground Operators All campground operators were invited for consultation related to this plan.

Town of Drayton Valley The residents of Drayton Valley were consulted as part of the general public and organizational reviews described above and in a briefing session.

Public input for the Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Master Plan was invited from all of these categories of community members during initial information gathering in 2014, and again

in 2015 after a draft of recommendations had been developed. Methods of consultation for each category are summarized in Table 1, and the list of organizations consulted in each category, including a brief description of each, is provided in Table 2.

Table 1. Timing and methods of community member consultation.

Community Member Consultation Method of Consultation Category Timing General Public 2014 - Recreation Satisfaction and Planning Surveys - Information booths at community events (Drayton Valley and Breton) 2015 - Public Open Houses Recreation Organizations and 2014 - Organization-specific consultations Clubs (Tailored recreation satisfaction and planning survey) 2015 - Invitation to provide organization specific feedback - Public Open Houses Community Associations 2014 - Association-specific consultations (Tailored recreation satisfaction and planning survey) 2015 - Invitation to provide organization specific feedback - Public Open Houses Campground Operators 2014 - Individual community association consultations 2015 - Invitation to provide organization specific feedback - Public Open Houses Town of Drayton Valley 2014 - Recreation Satisfaction and Planning Surveys - Information booths at community events (Drayton Valley and Breton) 2015 - Invitation for municipality-specific consultation regarding draft plan - Public Open Houses County Council and Administration 2014 - Ongoing meetings with Administration - Strategy Workshop with Council and Senior Administration 2015 - Workshop to review and discuss primary recommendations of draft master plan - Review prior to final master plan approval (following completion of all other consultation opportunities)

Table 2. Organizations consulted and status of consultation.

Organization Consultation Name Description Completed

Recreational Organizations A society of avid hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who are dedicated to Yes SCI Drayton promoting responsible use of our natural resources with a focus on Valley outdoor education, conservation, and humanitarian project for our community and across the world. Provides winter activities for families, children, and youth including Yes Drayton Valley Ski skiing, snowboarding, and tubing for all levels. They also have a fully Club (Snow Club) stocked chalet. DVPC was created as a non-profit organization in 2006 to promote Yes Drayton Valley recreational paddling and provide opportunities for members to learn Paddling Club safety and regulatory paddling requirements along with environmental awareness. 4-H beef club providing education about market based industry. Yes Two Rivers 4H Includes steer and heifer showing and haltering as well as teaching Club grooming, showmanship, and selling of beef.

Girl Guides Makes a positive difference in the life of every girl and woman who Yes Drayton Valley experiences guiding so she can contribute to her community. Offer Chapter weekly meetings and programs and provincial training for leaders. Yes Snowmodile Club Provides a place for family outdoor snowmobile recreation. Drayton Valley Yes Horse Club Provides equestrian activities to Brazeau County area. Enhancing the lives of children and youth by providing a safe, Yes Boys and Girls supportive place where children and youth can experience new Club Drayton opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships and Valley develop confidence and skills for life. Offers 75 kilometres of maintained trails, with trail bridges, along the Yes North Saskatchewan River along with a staging area with campsites Brazeau ATV and washrooms. Offers family adventure for all ski levels, safety Club instruction, and organized social events including poker rallies, family rides, and BBQs.

West Central Yes Riverboat Unite the river boaters in the area and promote the stewardship of our Association waterways. Brazeau Offer memberships for the whole family and an annual Shooting Sports Yes Bowbenders Challenge along with 3D archery trails and tournaments help Archery Club throughout the year. Exciting and educational opportunity for young people and their Yes Junior Forest families to have fun, develop skills and get educated in the many Wardens diverse aspects of our natural environment* Drayton Valley Community Guide Programs offered to teens include cadet training which focuses on No Air Cadets discipline, encouragement and recognition of teen abilities Promote youth skills involving public speaking, event planning, record No Breton Scouts keeping, volunteerism and team work by using the "Learn to Do by Doing" Motto The West Valley Light Horse and Canine Club meets the 1st Saturday No West Valley 4H of each month. The only 4H group in the area offering Canine Light Horse and obedience and agility, they offer training sessions on the 1st and 3rd Canine Club Tuesday of each month. Western Multi The Western Multi Talented 4 H Club meets the third Sunday of every No Talented 4H Club month at the Lindale Hall. No 4H Horse Club N/A Community Hall Associations To provide the residents of the Village of Breton and surrounding Yes Ag Society (Breton community a modern, safe, efficient, vibrant community facility for Community celebration of life events, youth development, recreation, physical and Center) mental wellness, community service and organization, for all ages to enjoy for generations to come. (bretoncommunitycenter.com) Originally the Berrymoor School, this hall has been renovated with a No Berrymore Centre new kitchen and bathroom, and seats 60 people. A Ball Diamond is located adjacent to the hall. Buck Creek No Community Events include socials, ball tournaments & Buck Creek days. The hall Association seats approximately 150. Carnwood Events include regular Jamborees, annual events include a New Year’s Yes Country Hall Party, Old Fashioned Christmas, Fall Supper and St. Paddy’s Day Association Supper. Hall seats 125. Located within the Hamlet of Cynthia, the Cynthia Recreation No Cynthia Recreation Association includes a community hall, outdoor skating rink and Association playground. Hall capacity is 100 and is available for bookings. (Alberta Community Profiles) Drayton Valley No Scout Hall

Events held include, family evenings, children’s playgroup once a No Easyford Hall week and an annual Yuk Yuk’s comedy night. The hall was newly

constructed in 1988, seats 250 people and is available for booking. Events include an annual Christmas Concert. The hall seats Yes Funnel approximately 60 and is often booked for anniversaries, birth-days and Community Hall family reunions. Recently renovated, the Lindale Community Hall Association hosts No numerous events; annual amateur rodeo, steak suppers, dances, fall Lindale Community windup supper, square dancing and jam sessions. Hall seats 220 and is Association adjacent to a ball diamond, rodeo grounds, Birchwood Village Greens Campground and Golf Course. The Lodgepole Recreational Society operates the large Hall. Annual No events include the Pirates of the Pembina Raft Race held in August. Lodgepole Monthly event include a family/movie night with a large screen movie, Recreation Society held in the Recreation Center. The Recreational Society also operates the Lodgepole Campground. Annual event is the new Moose Hill Slow Pitch Tournament held every No year on the long weekend in September. Bingo is held twice a month New Moose Hill from October to April. The hall seats 50 people and there are 2 ball Community Club diamonds with a playground. The hall is often booked for family reunions, anniversaries etc. Rocky Rapids Located within the Hamlet of Rocky Rapids, the Rocky Rapids Hall Yes Community seats 170 comfortably and is often booked for weddings, funerals, League family reunions and Christmas parties. Located within the Hamlet of Violet Grove the hall seats 80 people. Yes Violet Grove Annual events include a children’s Christmas con-cert and Fall Pig Community Hall Roast. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00pm. Events include regular socials and an Annual Children’s Christmas No Whitby Community Concert. A campground and a ball diamond are currently under League construction. The hall has a seating capacity of 300 and is popular for weddings, family reunions and company Christmas Parties. Campgrounds Big Tee 22 Sites. Power and water, fire pits, showers and playground. Adjacent Yes Campground to the Big Tee Gold Course, motel and licensed restaurant. Four camping areas; 2 group campsites and 2 individual campsites Yes along 2 different bodies of water; the Brazeau Reservoir and the Brazeau Canal. Close to the Reservoir area, there are individual camping areas in Loops 1, 2 and 3, with 20 power sites located only in Loop 3, as well as a large overflow area overlooking the reservoir. The Brazeau Reservoir Brazeau Reservoir group campsite consists of up to 35 units, log cookhouse with fireplace, horseshoe pits, private beach, barbeque. The West Canal Campground has 18 individual sites and the East Canal area has a group site at the far east end (maximum 12 units). Brazeau campground and recreation area includes: firepits, firewood, day use and group area, playground, serviced sites and river dam access. Located behind the Community Hall in the Hamlet of Cynthia. Fully Yes serviced 30 amp sites with fire pits and firewood available to pur- Cynthia RV Park chase. Full bath and shower with laundry facilities and a playhouse with sandbox for the children. Furnished TeePee and cookhouse for rent, along with a convenience store on site. Camp kitchen, fire pits, firewood, situated along the Pembina River. Yes Easyford Park Group bookings only. 30 fully serviced, winterized sites and 14 power only sites. There is a No Kayson playground and splashpark and a stocked trout pond at the Park. Located just outside of the hamlet of Lodgepole, firewood and cook Yes Lodgepole shack available. Self Registration, access to ATV trails. 11 full service sites open year round. Cost is $25/night or Yes Louie Lake $550.00/month. It is located half way between Violet Grove and Lodgepole.

Camp kitchen, fire pits, firewood, situated along Modeste Creek. No Modeste Creek Group bookings only. Located across the highway from the Drayton Valley Golf Course. 40 No sites, power and water sites available. Reservations preferred, fire Pih-to-kwe pits/firewood, camp kitchen, day use/group area, playground. Wheelchair accessible bathhouse. 21 Sites, fully serviced. Catering to travellers working in the oil & gas No and forestry service industries, a favourite of crews and consultants. Violet Grove Shower house currently under construction. Located just south of Drayton Valley in the hamlet of Violet Grove on Hwy 620. 59 Sites, 7 with full hook-ups, group camp with cookhouse. Serviced Yes Willey West sites, camp kitchen, day use, group area, playground and a trail system. Showers and sani-dump. Staff on site and Convenience store. Adjacent to the Birchwood Golf & Country Club, 22 serviced (water No Birchwood and power) lots, with one non-serviced group lot. Sewage dump and a Campground supply of firewood is available on site.

General Public

The general public was consulted for their input on priorities for recreation planning through the use of surveys. Four comprehensive surveys were used to solicit input on different recreation and open space themes. Recreation Satisfaction and Planning Surveys were designed to take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The request to participate in the survey was extended to the general public using many different avenues, including printed media (the Western Review, Brazeau County Newsletter), online communications (Brazeau County Website, Parks Council Website) social media (Facebook, twitter), the local radio station (Big West Country), at local events (Drayton Valley Registration Night, Breton B-Town Trade Show, DV 100) and with printed flyers at select locations across Drayton Valley and Brazeau County. The general public was invited to fill out the surveys online or on provided hard copy surveys at select locations and events.

The nature, timeline, and number of survey respondents were:

Facility Usage and Satisfaction (May-October) 166 responses Trails and Pathways (June-December) 68 responses Camping and Campgrounds (May-October) 116 responses Future Recreational Development (August-December) 120 responses

The questions posted in each survey can be viewed in Appendix D.

Recreation Clubs and Organizations

The Parks Council attempted consultation with seventeen recreational clubs in Brazeau County, and the number of clubs and organizations actually consulted totalled eleven. Clubs and organizations were contacted for the opportunity to participate in the consultation in a one-on- one setting with the Parks Council and as many representatives of the organization as they deemed appropriate and necessary. At least three attempts were made to contact each organization. Messages were left for organizations where possible and contacted again if no response was heard. Some difficulties in contacting organizations included getting up to date contact numbers and some organizations only operating seasonally. A questionnaire was created

to guide discussions, however organizations were not discouraged from discussing additional items or themes they thought relevant to the Plan. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding the organization's priorities for recreation and open space planning for the County, including facilities, programs, planning goals, assistance from the County, and barriers to the organization conducting their business. Most consultations took place in person; however, some discussions took place over the phone, and some input was provided in writing, depending on the organization’s preference. The questions posed to Recreation Clubs and Organizations can be viewed in Appendix D.

In addition to the above described formal consultation with recreational clubs and organizations, the Parks Council held its own internal strategic sessions to inform recreation and open space master planning within the Eagle Point- Blue Rapids Park System. On October 14, 2014, a discussion regarding potential locations for full service campgrounds took place, and priority sites were identified. On October 28, 2014, a strategy session was held with the Association of Adjacent Land Owners to plan recreation facilities for the east side of Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area, and on February 23, 2014, a strategy session was held to discuss this topic with the Parks Council Board.

Community Associations

The Parks Council attempted consultation with fourteen Community Associations in Brazeau County, and the number actually consulted totalled five. At least three attempts were made to contact each organization and messages were left for community association contacts where possible. Associations were contacted for the opportunity to participate in the consultation in a one-on-one setting with the Parks Council and as many representatives of the organization as they deemed appropriate and necessary. A questionnaire was created to guide discussions, however organizations were not discouraged from discussing additional items or themes they thought relevant to the Plan. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding the Association's priorities for recreation and open space planning for the County, including facilities, programs, planning goals, assistance from the County, and barriers to the association conducting their business. Most consultations took place in person; however, some discussions took place over the phone, and some input was provided in writing, depending on the organization’s preference. The questions posed to each Community Association can be viewed in Appendix D.

Campground Operators

The Parks Council attempted consultation with twelve campground operators in Brazeau County, and the number actually consulted totalled seven. At least three attempts were made to contact each operator. Operators were contacted for the opportunity to participate in the consultation in a one-on-one setting with the Parks Council and as many representatives of the organization as they deemed appropriate and necessary. A questionnaire was created to guide discussions, however organizations were not discouraged from discussing additional items or themes they thought relevant to the Plan. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding the Operator's priorities for recreation and open space planning for the County, including facilities, programs, planning goals, assistance from the County, and barriers to the operator conducting

their business. Most consultations took place in person; however, some discussions took place over the phone, and some input was provided in writing, depending on the organization’s preference. The questions posed to each organization can be viewed in Appendix D.

County Administration

County Administration and Senior Staff, along with Brazeau County Council, were the lead group for this Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, and therefore directed the development of the document. This included review and approval of the overall Plan creation process and schedule, review of all consultation materials, and review and comment on all draft recommendations. Staff of three departments, Community Services, Planning and Development, and Economic Development and Communications, were consulted individually to inform the development of the Plan, as well as to guide the consultant regarding the most useful content for each department. Brazeau County Senior Staff also attended strategic sessions that took place with County Council.

County Council

Brazeau County Council was informed and consulted throughout the creation of the Recreation and Open Space Master Plan as often as their busy schedules would allow. Two formal presentations were completed by the Parks Council during Council Meetings: the first on April 11 2014 to obtain approval for consultation materials that would be shared with the public in order to the Council to the Recreation and Open Space Master Plan product that the Parks Council would be developing on behalf of Brazeau County, and the second on July 15, 2014 to update Council on the progress of the Plan and to request a time for a strategic session to identify recreation priorities for the County. The Strategic Session was held on August 12, 2014. Further input for recreation planning was obtained from a workshop organized by Brazeau County Council related to off-highway vehicle trail planning, and attended by various stakeholders (Brazeau ATV Club, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Alberta Parks, the Honourable Diana McQueen, the Parks Council and Brazeau County Council and Senior Staff). A strategic workshop was held with County Councillors on May 12 2015 in order to review the draft and consider next steps.

Town of Drayton Valley

A briefing and question and answer session was held with the Town of Drayton Valley Councillors in July 8 2015.

Photo: Example of community meeting (EPBR Parks Council) 2.2 Community engagement key findings

The results of community consultation and engagement provided important information regarding the priorities of various publics for recreation and open space master planning in Brazeau County. The results of community consultation are incorporated and discussed through the recommendations section of this Recreation and Open Space Master Plan; key findings are summarized here.

General Public

Some of key findings from the Recreation Satisfaction and Planning surveys provided to the general public include:

Outdoor recreation is very important to 68%, and somewhat important to 30%, of survey respondents as compared to other interests. To the 58% of respondents that were residents of Brazeau County, outdoor recreation is also very important to 72%, and somewhat important to 27%, compared to other interests. Of those survey respondents that had an opinion, 64% felt there were insufficient campgrounds (57% of Brazeau County residents), 63% felt there were insufficient day-use areas (55% of Brazeau County residents), 56% felt there were insufficient trails and walkways (53% of Brazeau County residents).

When given an open-ended opportunity to comment on future plans for outdoor recreation in Brazeau County, creating or improving trails was a common theme. Other common recommendations included new and improved outdoor facilities, more camping opportunities, and more sites to access and enjoy waterways. For Brazeau residents, more and improved ATV trails was also important. Conservation of wilderness areas and habitat was considered the most important use of facilities or open space in Brazeau County by all survey respondents and specifically by Brazeau County residents, followed by walking and cycling trails connecting rural residents to towns, villages and hamlets, and wilderness hiking trails (Brazeau County residents also ranked off-highway vehicle staging areas and trails of high importance). Walking and hiking for pleasure is the most frequent outdoor activity enjoyed by respondents, followed by off-highway vehicle use, campground camping and hunting and fishing. Walking trails are the most common facility used by survey respondents, followed by parks and natural areas, and community halls. For Brazeau County residents, community halls were the most common facility, followed by campgrounds, natural areas/park and walking trails. Of those survey respondents that had an opinion, they thought the least sufficient facilities in Brazeau County were campgrounds, boat launches, and day use areas. Brazeau County residents’ least sufficient facilities were primarily boat launches and secondarily, campgrounds, day-use areas and trails/walkways. Garbage cans, clean facilities, well maintained trails and facilities, and washrooms were the most important aspects of open spaces and facilities to survey respondents and for Brazeau County residents specifically. The greatest priorities for trails in Brazeau County were a) creating trail maps and advertising, b) developing new trails in new areas and creating linkages, and c) repairing existing trails. Residents of Brazeau County also felt that improved accessibility for persons with disabilities was also important. 82% of respondents camp with a travel trailer, 5th wheel or tent trailer. Brazeau County residents more commonly used 5th wheel than all combined respondents. 61% of respondents consider themselves campground campers; the remainder consider themselves random campers (60% and 40% for Brazeau residents, respectively). The primary reason for random camping was to camp with a group. The greatest barriers to participating in outdoor activities were that a) respondents are unaware of the facilities available, b) the location of facilities is unknown, and c) the desired facilities are not available.

The results of the questionnaires are included in Appendix D. Responses of all respondents, including residents of Brazeau County, Drayton Valley, Breton, or other are combined, plus results just from residents of Brazeau County are compiled.

Recreation Clubs and Organizations

The Recreational Clubs and Organizations consulted revealed a wide range of priorities and recommendations when it came to recreation and open space master planning, which was not surprising considering the wide range of activities and audiences that were the focus of each respective group. Priorities tended to focus on the location where the organization held their

activity or had a facility, and recommendations usually related to the primary age group or type of public participating in the activity.

Figure 1 summarizes the responses of recreational clubs and organizations relating to the importance of various types of facilities or programs that resulted from consultation. The responses from each individual club are incorporated into the recommendations of this Plan, and are also provided in Appendix D. The results of Parks Council internal strategy sessions are discussed in the appropriate recommendations sections of this Plan.

Figure 2 summarizes the responses of recreational clubs and organizations relating to the importance of barriers to conducting business.

Figure 1. Importance of various recreation facilities / topics arising from consultations.

Importance of Features & Facilities

Parking Staging Areas Portages & Trail Access to Water …

Outdoor Recreation Facilities Water Bodies Natural/Wilderness Areas Very Important Community Halls Somewhat Important OHV Trails Horse-back Riding Trails Somwhat Unimportant Features & Facilities & Features Semi-urban Walking & Biking Trails Very Unimportant Wilderness Hiking & Biking Trails Day-use Areas Campgrounds

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Percent Importance

Figure 2. Importance of barriers to carrying out business for recreational clubs.

Barriers to Carrying Out Business

Ability to Fundraise and/or Grant Write Marketing, Outreach, and Communication Access to Natural/Wilderness Areas

Access to Appropriate OutdoorFacilities Very Important Somewhat Important Barrier Condition of Hall or Meeting Space Somewhat Unimportant Access to Hall or Meeting Space Very Unimportant

Volunteer Capacity

Low Membership/Membership Retention

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Percent (%)

Community Associations

The community associations consulted revealed a dichotomy between associations that have a strong membership, volunteer base and funding to conduct their business, and those that are struggling in these areas. Many of the recommendations from Associations revolved around the need for Brazeau County assistance in conducting certain aspects of their business, such as bookings, completing grant applications, and marketing. All of the struggling associations indicated a desire for more financial assistance from Brazeau County, such as in the form of grants, or to assist with much needed renovations to Community Halls. Almost all of the associations recommended the development of trail systems in and around the villages where their halls were located.

Figure 3 summarizes the responses of community associations relating to the importance of barriers to the associations conducting business. The responses from each individual association are incorporated into the recommendations of this Plan, and are also provided in Appendix G.

Figure 3. Importance of barriers to carrying out business for community associations.

Importance of Following Barriers

Ability to Fundraise and/or Grant Write Marketing, Outreach, and Communication

Access to Natural/Wilderness Areas

Access to Appropriate Very Important

OutdoorFacilities Somewhat Important Barrier

Condition of Hall or Meeting Space Somewhat Unimportant Very Unimportant Volunteer Capacity

Low Membership/Membership Retention

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Percentage

Campground Operators

The results of consultations with campground operators were very site-specific, and centered on the campgrounds themselves, and various recreational opportunities in the area that would augment the business of the existing campgrounds. All campgrounds were at least 90% capacity during the camping season; vacancies were rarely available over the week-ends and never available over long week-ends. Campground operators indicated that at least 50% of sites were occupied by industrial workers. Some campground operators indicated an appetite for campground expansion. Several operators mentioned the need for more tourist accommodations in the area.

The responses from each individual association are incorporated into the recommendations of this Plan, and are also provided in Appendix D.

County Council and Administration

Consultations with Brazeau County departments and Council indicated a strong interest and passion for recreation and open space master planning. Recommendations from Council and Staff are incorporated throughout this Plan, but highlights of departmental consultations and strategic sessions are provided below.

Strategic Session with County Council and Senior Staff: August 11, 2014

The focus of this strategic session was to identify recreational priorities for Brazeau County. Identified priorities included: Dedicated, managed trail systems in key locations of Brazeau County o Longer distance trail systems with good signage that offer amenities, such as warm up huts o A cross-county OHV trail system that connects with the facilities of neighboring counties Need for new campgrounds to offer enough sites to fill a large portion of the camping demand, but also offer several different types of camping (full service, half service, no service) Discussion regarding random camping and that it will always take place Need to upgrade and develop new day use areas providing access to waterways A centralized hub is needed to disseminate tourism information; potential locations were discussed, including an online presence.

Workshop with Stakeholders, County Council and Senior Staff: August 15, 2014 The focus of this workshop was to discuss initial plans and barriers to establishing a safe, useable ATV trail system in Brazeau County. Components for a successful trail system were identified, and the resources available and required to design a successful trail system were discussed. The relevancy of planning such a trail system to the Regional Advisory Committee for the North Saskatchewan Regional Plan was noted.

Departmental Consultations Brazeau County departmental consultations reflected the various businesses of the different departments, and the resources that would assist them in moving projects forward. Community Services indicated a desire for recommendations regarding trail systems, campgrounds, day use areas, community halls, and community facilities such as outdoor rinks. Community Services also: requested recommendations regarding programs to support and assist recreational clubs and organizations, and community associations, in conducting their business, and; suggested including comparables with other jurisdictions, if possible (e.g., number of campsites, length of trails). The Department of Planning and Development indicated a need for recommendations regarding conservation easements and municipal and environmental reserves, and a list of priority sites that could be obtained for these purposes during county development subdivisions. The Department of Economic Development and Communications consultation included a discussion around the potential for a Tourism Authority, and indicated a desire for recommendations regarding tourism information and signage.

Town of Drayton Valley Briefing and Question and Answer Session Town of Drayton Valley Councillors and staff were very interested in and supportive of the initiative to develop a Brazeau County master plan for outdoor recreation and open spaces management. They were particularly interested in new campgrounds and trail systems, especially trails with existing and potential linkages to the Town of Drayton Valley, and partnerships with the private sector, community groups and with the Ton of Drayton Valley itself.

3. Natural setting factors that influence this plan

The “natural setting” factors that influence this Master Plan include the County’s context within Alberta, the key natural attributes within the County, and the natural constraints that limit infrastructure developments and outdoor recreational interest. 3.1 Natural Setting context

At over 3,000 km2, Brazeau County represents a small portion of the Province of Alberta – approximately 0.5%. The County, however, has an abundance of natural features that create many opportunities for outdoor recreation and open spaces management. These include: parks; rivers, streams, wetlands and associated riparian areas; important Environmentally Significant Areas recognized by the Government of Alberta, and; huge areas of public green space. 3.2 Natural attributes

The eastern portion of the County is private lands consisting of annual cropland, improved pasture, native pasture, settlements and roads. The western portion is provincial public land administered by Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD) and consists of native vegetation peppered with oil, gas and mining or gravel extraction.

3.2.1 Significant biophysical features in existing parks/conservation areas

The Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Areas are classified by the Government of Alberta as protected areas (Map 2) and receive special attention through legislation and government staff resources. These two sites contain diverse natural attributes along the North Saskatchewan River valley and consist of the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System which creates significant opportunities for outdoor recreation and open spaces use and improvements. In addition, there are 17 separate ¼ section and ½ section parcels of provincially-designated Natural Areas scattered throughout the eastern portion of the County (Map 3). These provide a distribution of outdoor recreation opportunities for all County residents and provide opportunities for linking trails and creating trail networks.

The Pembina Provincial Grazing Reserve encompasses 19,034 hectares of provincial public land in the western portion of Brazeau County, and largely consists of tame pastures with some native vegetation communities. The reserve was opened in 1985 with the main purpose of providing improved habitat for upland and big game, and for grazing livestock. The reserve can accommodate approximately 2,000 head of mature cattle for grazing between mid-May to the end of October. Recreational use of the grazing reserve is encouraged, subject to the Recreational Access Regulation and specific access conditions for this grazing reserve.

3.2.3 Significant hydrological features (rivers, streams, wetlands)

Brazeau County contains an important historical, recreational and wildlife-rich 95 km section of the North Saskatchewan River, 120 km of the Pembina River, 50 km of the Brazeau River and 50 km of Modeste Creek (Map 4). All these are hydrological features provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and open spaces use or improvements.

Photo: Paddlers on North Saskatchewan River in Eagle Point Provincial Park (EPBR Parks Council)

3.2.4 Natural Regions and Subregions

The Province of Alberta includes some of the most diverse terrain in North America. Mountains, foothills and plains temper regional climates, the intensity of solar radiation decreases markedly from the 49th to the 60th parallel, and regional landscapes transform solar and climatic influences to produce an intricate ecological complex.

The value of regional ecological land classification systems as a foundation for sustainable resource management has been recognized for at least four decades in Canada. These systems provide a means of presenting and understanding biophysical patterns in a geographic context, and a common basis for communication. Natural Regions and Subregions have supplied the Alberta ecological context in which resource management activities have been planned and implemented since the 1970s.

Brazeau County is located in three Natural Subregions (Dry Mixedwood, Central Mixedwood and Lower Foothills) (Map 5). This means there is lots of wildlife and diversity of landforms to attract outdoor recreationists. The large amount of natural crown-owned green space in all three subregions also provides a unique opportunity to exploit recreational opportunities across a diversity of landscapes

3.2.5 Environmentally Significant Areas

Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) represent places in Alberta that are vital to the long- term maintenance of biological diversity, soil, water, or other natural processes, at multiple spatial scales. They are identified, at a coarse scale, as areas containing rare or unique elements in the province, or areas requiring special management due to conservation needs. As applied to resource management systems in Alberta, ESA mapping is a strategic conservation tool that is useful to the development of land use planning and policy. Identifying these areas using scientifically rigorous, defendable, and relevant methodology is the first step toward the successful integration of ecological values into provincial land-use planning and management. Their identification enables decision makers to more rapidly progress through the planning process where informed trade-offs can be discussed, priorities set and clear policy direction regarding environmental values. Mapped ESAs provide a critical tool for developing spatially explicit, scientifically defendable regional and provincial land-use plans. The Government of Alberta has mapped the province’s ESAs, and provided an update as recently as 2014.

Of high importance within Brazeau County are the nationally-significant portions of the North Saskatchewan River and the Brazeau River in the County (Map 6).

3.2.6 Huge areas of public green space

Brazeau County contains large areas of green/natural/crownland space -- 1,800 km2 or almost 60% of the County (Map 3). These are highly valued recreational green spaces for County residents.

Map 2. Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area.

Map 3. Crown lands, including provincial protected areas, in Brazeau County.

Map 4. Hydrological features of Brazeau County.

Map 5. Natural Regions and Subregions in Brazeau County.

Map 6. National and Provincial Environmentally Significant Areas of Brazeau County.

3.3 Biophysical constraints (flooding; wetlands; riparian areas)

Map 4 shows the numerous lakes, streams and wetlands in the two major watersheds that Brazeau County lays in – the Central Athabasca-Upper and Upper North Saskatchewan Watersheds. These hydrological features have riparian areas adjacent to them. Except for the Brazeau Reservoir whose water levels are controlled, rivers and streams are subject to flooding of varying severities, providing an important development constraint. There are almost 100 km2 of wetlands in the County providing vital ecological services, but pose constraints for infrastructure and many have limited, specialized interest for most outdoor recreationists.

Another important development constraint is steep topography (see Map 7 for an example of floodplains and adjacent areas of steep topography along the North Saskatchewan River in the southern portion of the Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area).

Any infrastructure considered for these hydrological areas and areas of steep topography need to be built in locations or in a manner which compensates for seasonal flooding.

Map 7. Example of topographic contours and floodplains along the North Saskatchewan River in the Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area.

4. Existing outdoor recreation and open space opportunities

4.1 Parks and related open spaces

4.1.1 Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area

Both Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area (together the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System [Map 2]) are managed by the Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council through a Memorandum of Understanding with Alberta Parks. The Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System conserves an important wildlife corridor between the Foothills Natural Region, the Boreal Natural Region and the Aspen Parkland. There is abundant wildlife in the Park system including species of moose, elk, fisher, white-tailed deer, black bear, and cougars. The EBR Park System encompasses land in both the Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood Boreal Sub-regions of Alberta.

Eagle Point Provincial Park is over 19.6 km2 (1,962 ha) of protected lands located downstream of the Highway 22 bridge along the North Saskatchewan River. A variety of non-motorized recreation activities including nordic skiing, hiking, river paddling, archery, horseback riding, and camping currently take place in the Park. The Pembina Nordic Ski Club, Drayton Valley Paddling Club, Brazeau Bowbenders Archery Club, West Central Riverboat Association, and Willey West Campground have club facilities or are active in Eagle Point.

Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area is over 36.4 km2 (3640 ha) of protected lands located upstream of the Highway 22 bridge along the North Saskatchewan River. Motorized and non- motorized activities are enjoyed in Blue Rapids, including all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use, target shooting, and hunting. The Evergreen Shooting Club, Drayton Valley Horse Club, and Brazeau ATV Club have facilities located in Blue Rapids.

4.1.2 North Saskatchewan River Valley

Approximately 120 kilometres of the North Saskatchewan River runs through Brazeau County. The North Saskatchewan River Basin is the largest in the province, and the river flows from the Rocky Mountains in the Columbia Icefield through the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, emptying into Hudson Bay. The carved out river valley features steep escarpments

and ravines and stunning geological layering. The landscape along the river in Brazeau County is industrialized with oil, gas and gravel operations.

The North Saskatchewan River Valley is an important and dominant recreational hub in Brazeau County. The river valley offers a vast array of exceptional recreational activities including fishing, boating, hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing. The cool water temperatures and unpredictable current provide limited accessibility for activities such as swimming and tube floating. Water quality in the North Saskatchewan River is impacted by numerous sources and, as water flows downstream, nutrient, bacteriological, and chemical pollution accumulate.

Public consultations revealed recreational activities and facilities with access to water bodies, including the North Saskatchewan River, are highly desired. Close proximity and access to the North Saskatchewan River was also favoured in the development of future campgrounds. Public consultations indicated the need for future development of motorized and non-motorized trail systems along the North Saskatchewan River valley.

Photo: View of North Saskatchewan River Valley (EPBR Parks Council)

4.1.3 Brazeau reservoir and river valley

The Brazeau hydroelectric dam operated by TransAlta is located on the Brazeau River, and creates managed water bodies making up the Brazeau Canal and the Brazeau Reservoir. The dam is used to generate electricity at peak demand hours, and their operation causes noticeable changes in water level during a 24-hour period. These changes in water levels can make recreation access more challenging.

Canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, boating and fishing are popular activities performed on the Canal and Reservoir. There are excellent angling opportunities with an array of pike, trout, walleye, whitefish, perch and sturgeon fish species (Brazeau County website). Coniferous forests in the area provide great habitat for cavity-nesting birds including the tree swallow and common goldeneye. Great blue herons, osprey and ravens are also found in the area which makes it a popular place for bird watching enthusiasts. There is an abundance of wildlife for viewing or hunting, including moose, elk, black bears, grey wolves, and mule deer.

The retired section of the Brazeau River is no longer flooded since creation of the Reservoir and Canal, and is a particular attraction for all-terrain-vehicle-recreation. This impressive landscape boasts tall escarpments and other river landscape not easily explored in other locations and provides unique recreation and education opportunities.

The Brazeau Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area is located in the river valley and contains a full service campground featuring both individual and group camping opportunities. Informal ATV and snowmobile trails are located in the area, but are not accessible through the campground.

4.1.4 Pembina River

Approximately 110kms of the Pembina River flow through Brazeau County. The Pembina River Valley is a relatively untapped and undeveloped recreational gem. The river provides excellent paddling opportunities during the majority of the season and its slow moving and shallow waters provide an excellent medium for tube floating as the shallow waters limit motorboat activity.

Photo: Pembina River (EPBR Parks Council)

The Pembina is a more ‘family friendly’ river compared to the North Saskatchewan, with slower currents and warmer, shallower water. Many families take advantage of the pockets of beach found along the river for swimming and day-use activities. The Drayton Valley Horse Club’s Riverside Trails are also located along the Pembina River featuring rolling and breath-taking landscapes. The Pembina valley serves as an important wildlife corridor for a variety of species including moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, coyotes, and badgers.

The area contains a lot of industry which has taken advantage of the river valley’s gentle slope. Compared to the North Saskatchewan River, the escarpment along the Pembina River is gentle, providing great potential for the development of future campgrounds.

4.1.5 Natural Areas and provincial public lands (Crown/Green Spaces)

Almost 60% of Brazeau County is comprised of provincial crown lands which are administered through Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD). None of these provincial crown lands are part of a park system. There are some parcels of privately owned land. These crown lands are available for public use and are currently used for a variety of recreational activities including random camping, hunting, hiking, ATV use, and snowmobiling. Industrialized activities, mainly oil and gas related and forestry are dominant across these public lands. The Pembina Provincial Grazing Reserve (3,117 hectares) is also located on the west side of Brazeau County. The grazing reserve is used by grazing livestock for a portion of the year, but is also used (with permission) by trail riding, some snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing recreationists.

The east half of the County consists mostly of privately owned lands except for pockets of provincial public land leased for grazing, the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System, natural areas, and small parcels of unleased provincial public land. Leased parcels of provincial public lands are used for grazing and allow for more limited recreational activities, while Natural Areas and non-leased provincial public hands have a vast recreational potential discussed further.

Natural Areas (designated under the Wilderness Areas, Ecological Reserves, Natural Areas and Heritage Rangelands Act) are designated to protect public lands and to conserve them in a natural state. They are open to the public and are used for conservation, wildlife and bird viewing, and low intensity outdoor recreation (including ATVs and horse riding) and education. Hunting is also a popular activity in the natural areas. The following are Natural Areas located in Brazeau County: Buck Lake Creek Natural Area, St. Francis Natural Area, Poplar Creek Natural Area, Carnwood Modeste Creek Natural Area, Coyote Lake Natural Area. Coyote Lake Conservation Area is also located in Brazeau County. This area is managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and includes washrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails, and a viewing platform. Wildlife is abundant in this area and it is a popular spot for wildlife and bird viewing. Hiking is the most common recreational activity on these lands.

4.2 Facilities and infrastructure

This Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan defines decentralized recreational facilities as those outdoor facilities and trails located in Brazeau County that are readily and easily accessible to residents and tourists alike. These facilities and trails provide a diversity of recreational opportunities all year and may be operated by the County, organizations, or private individuals.

4.2.1 Campgrounds

There are twelve campgrounds currently in operation in Brazeau County and there are plans to develop at least two additional campgrounds in the Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Park System. Through partnership agreements Brazeau County owns or operates five of these campgrounds, while the remaining ones are privately owned.

Photo: Willey West Campground entrance (EBR Parks Council)

4.2.2 Day-use/picnic areas

For the purpose of this plan, a day-use/picnic area is defined as an area used by the public for day-long recreational activities, but not for the main purpose of overnight camping. These areas have limited facilities and services, but many contain parking areas and bathrooms (see Map 17). They include:

Brazeau County Building Site; Lindale Rodeo Grounds; Municipal Reserves (96 parcels. Although available for day use activities, most are not used.); Environmental Reserves (28 parcels. Although available for day use activities, most are not used.); Day use parks (23 parcels).

4.2.3 Staging areas

Staging area are stopping or unloading place on route to a recreational activity. There are a few horse staging areas, ATV staging areas, and hiking staging areas.

4.2.4 Boat launches

Willey West has the only formal boat launch on the North Saskatchewan River in the County. Since the flood of spring 2013, this boat launch requires more maintenance than previous years to keep it operational for motor boats. This is the only formal boat launch in Brazeau County for search and rescue / emergency and safety boats to access the North Saskatchewan River. The Berrymoore Ferry site does have vehicle access to the river and is used informally as a boat launch. There are no formal boat launches on the Pembina or Brazeau Rivers.

The Brazeau Reservoir boat launch can usually only be used later on in the summer due to water levels, and most of the season, and most of the season it is common practice to back down the beach. Diurnal water fluctuations may also have an effect on accessibility to this boat launch.

4.2.5 Trails (surfaced and un-surfaced) and Paths / Waterways

There are numerous trails, paved and unpaved, throughout Brazeau County (Map 8). Well-used walking trails are located around the Town of Drayton Valley. There are formally-established walking trails in Eagle Point Provincial Park and non-formal trails, often associated with ATV 48

and horse trails, located throughout Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area, and in some of the parcels of crown land (often designated Natural Areas) throughout the eastern portion of the County. Water “trails” used by motorized (North Saskatchewan River) or non-motorized (Brazeau River, Pembina River, Modeste Creek) watercraft consist of the major rivers and streams. There are extensive, varied and popular ATV trails in the Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area, especially in the portion northwest of the North Saskatchewan River and throughout the Green Area. Beautiful horse trails exist in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area and along the southern portion of the Pembina River.

Photo: Trail in Eagle Point Provincial Park (EPBR Parks Council)

4.2.6 Community Halls

Brazeau County is proud of its rural community and the many organizations that host events and activities for people of all ages. This includes not just ball tournaments and Christmas pageants,

but jamborees, skating parties, Yuk Yuk's Comedy night, rodeos, fishing derbies, music festivals, and curling bonspiels. Many of these facilities can be booked for weddings and family reunions. 4.3 Key organizations

The Parks Council consulted with numerous key organizations to gather information on their needs related to recreational development and their own functionality. The clubs and organizations that were consulted are all stakeholders in some sort of recreational type activity in Brazeau County. (Information for the Table of key organizations is taken from the Brazeau County Welcome Home Booklet 2014. They are listed in Table 2.)

**A note on Centralized Recreation Facilities As previously mentioned, this plan focuses on the decentralized, outdoor recreational facilities and open spaces in Brazeau County's administrative boundary to give full attention to the rural opportunities presented. However, during the public consultation process a number of comments were recorded that gave recommendations towards the management of centralized recreational facilities. Comments regarding the centralized recreational facilities were summarized and submitted to the County separately.

Map 8. Examples of trails systems in Brazeau County.

5. The Master Plan: Ten-year general plan

5.1 Facilities and infrastructure

5.1.1 Conceptual expansion of the Drayton Valley-Rocky Rapids trail system and consultations for a Breton trail system

Highlights: A Drayton Valley-Rocky Rapids conceptual trail system, if built, would provide year-round recreation opportunities for walking, jogging, rollerblading and cycling. There is considerable local public support and desire for the expansion and improvement of the existing Drayton Valley-Rocky Rapids trail system. In a recent provincial survey, the first favourite recreational activity is walking and the preferred location for participation is parks or outdoor spaces.

Options: Conceptually design and build an expanded semi-urban trail system connecting to hamlets, community halls, and key recreational facilities. o Define process to establish reserves and easements for recreation corridors on private land. o Ensure appropriate policies are incorporated into the Land Use Bylaw to facilitate establishment of easements or reserves on land with key recreation potential. o Using base for proposed trails provided in this Recreation Master Plan, refine the conceptual design of trail system. Create a database of lands desired for reserves and easements. o Confirm process for establishment of recreation leases on AESRD public lands. o Use proposed trail by landowner of SW and SE 19-49-7 W5M as a case study to test and refine process. o Work with landowners, municipalities, and AESRD to establish reserves, easements, and leases to realize plan. Work with the Village of Breton, also as a priority, to potentially develop a trail system, using above as an example. Over the long term, the potential for a pedestrian bridge across the North Saskatchewan River linking the trail system with the east side of Eagle Point Provincial Park could be reviewed, following past consideration by the Town of Drayton Valley.

The Drayton Valley-Rocky Rapids conceptual trail system would provide year-round recreation opportunities for walking, jogging, rollerblading and cycling. Most of this trail system should be

surfaced (e.g. paved or crushed rock) to facilitate certain activities, such as cycling, except where landscape features or connections to existing trails dictate an unsurfaced trail. This trail system could be non-motorized (excluding motorized aids for people with limited mobility). Currently, outside of the Town of Drayton Valley, the trail system connects the hamlet of Rocky Rapids and the Town of Drayton Valley along Range Road 73 (Map 9).

In a recent provincial survey,5 the first favourite recreational activity is walking (12.9% of respondents) and the preferred location for participation is parks or outdoor spaces (58.3%).

There is considerable public support and desire for the expansion and improvement of the existing Drayton Valley-Rocky Rapids trail system. Community consultations indicated that users consider the existing Drayton Valley-Rocky Rapids trail system to be very important to their outdoor recreation needs; walking and hiking for pleasure was the most frequent outdoor activity enjoyed by survey respondents, and walking trails are the most commonly used outdoor recreation facility in Brazeau County. Expansion of semi-urban walking and cycling trails was the third greatest priority for outdoor recreation facility development. The Rocky Rapids Community Hall Association, Whitby Community League, and Breton Community Centre all expressed special interest in connecting to a non-motorized trail system, as did all campgrounds consulted (except Brazeau Reservoir, which preferred to connect to a motorized trail system). The Rocky Rapids Community Hall Association also indicated that expansion of the existing trail system beyond the hamlet was desirable, and both the Pembina Nordic Ski Club and the Drayton Valley / Brazeau County Snow Club expressed interest in connecting the semi-urban trail system to their un-surfaced trails.

The conceptual trail system in Map 9 was developed considering the existing trail system outside of Drayton Valley, the Drayton Valley trail system, Brazeau County owned lands, provincial public lands, recreation points of interest, and community halls. Although a good portion of the proposed trail system is located on municipal and provincial public lands, several trails would need to be established on private lands. There is known interest from the landowner of SW and SE 19-49-7 W5M to expand the trail from Drayton Valley’s paved trail system and moving north, as part of the development plan and to meet municipal reserve requirements for a development permit. On private land, a recreation corridor could be established as a municipal reserve, environmental reserve, conservation easement or (potentially) an EcoGift. These options are discussed in greater detail in Section 4; Brazeau County will need to clearly define the process for developing recreation facilities on private lands using one or a combination of these tools. Development of the trail segment on SW and SE 19-49-7 W5M could be used as a case study to explore these tools and define the process for establishing the trail system on private lands.

Realization of the full trail system will be an ongoing process, as parcels are severed and developed, and landowners learn about the tools available to them for establishing reserves and easements dedicated for recreation and conservation purposes.

5 Alberta Government Report March 2014 http://www.tpr.alberta.ca/recreation/resources/research-analytics/recreation-survey/recreation-survey- results/pdf/AB-Rec-2013-ReportFinal.pdf 53

Map 9. Conceptual trail system linking Drayton Valley with adjoining areas.

5.1.2 Development of other trail systems

Highlights A trail system in Brazeau County could be established outside of the centralized area around Drayton Valley, building upon existing trails and recreational facilities in and around hamlets or established recreation hubs. When given an open-ended opportunity to comment on future plans for recreation in Brazeau County, 37% of respondents recommended creating or improving trails (the most common response). Conservation of wilderness areas and habitat was considered the most important use of facilities or open space in Brazeau County by survey respondents, followed by walking and cycling trails connecting rural residents to towns, villages and hamlets, and wilderness hiking trails. Walking and hiking for pleasure is the most frequent outdoor activity enjoyed by local respondents, followed by off-highway vehicle use, and hunting and fishing. Walking trails are the most common facility used by local survey respondents, followed by parks and natural areas, and community halls. In a recent provincial survey, the first favourite recreational activity is walking and the preferred location for participation is parks or outdoor spaces (see Alberta Government Report March 2014: http://www.tpr.alberta.ca/recreation/resources/research-analytics/recreation-survey/recreation- survey-results/pdf/AB-Rec-2013-ReportFinal.pdf). Specific public comments supported trail systems in Lindale, Buck Creek, and Lodgepole areas.

Options Meet with Community Hall Associations to gauge interest in coordinating recreation from their hamlet or site, including trail systems. Encourage local interest in trails. Conceptually design rural trail system pockets connecting to hamlets, community halls, and key recreational facilities. o Using process established through the Drayton Valley- Rocky Rapids Trail System, refine the design of trail systems described in Map 8 and in additional areas such as Breton, Violet Grove, Easyford, Berrymoor and the east side of Eagle Point Provincial Park; o Work with all relevant stakeholders, such as landowners, municipalities, AESRD, non-profit associations and recreational clubs, etc.; o Consider linkages into adjoining municipalities (See Section 5.1.3).

Various trail systems in Brazeau County could be established outside of the centralized area around Drayton Valley, building upon existing trails and recreational facilities in and around hamlets or established recreation hubs. . The public support for such trail systems is discussed above in section 5.1.1, and certainly extended out into rural Brazeau County. County Council also raised the need to develop area trails systems in each of their ridings on August 11, 2014. These area-trail system are more likely to be unsurfaced, and may be motorized, non-motorized, or both, depending on the interests of nearby residents and the existing facilities. Non-motorized trails could be used for a variety of activities, including walking/jogging, hiking, cycling/mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding. Motorized trails could be used by all-terrain vehicles, such as OHVs, 4x4 Jeeps, motocross bikes, and snowmobiles.

The intended purpose of these area-trail systems, including whether trails are designated as motorized or non-motorized, will vary according to the interests of nearby residents and users,

location, nearby facilities, compatibility of activities, and season. Focussed consultation for each area-trail system would be necessary, and would need to individually examine the best conceptual trail and recreation facility design. This may present an opportunity for community associations to take the lead on planning for recreation in their area.

The focus areas chosen for conceptualization in this Master Plan were Lindale, Lodgepole and Buck Creek (Maps 9, 10 and 11); These focus areas were chosen due to the layout of public lands in proximity to Community Hall Associations, existing trails, recreation facilities, Brazeau County owned lands, provincial public lands, and recreation and aesthetic points of interest. An important and notable difference of these area-trail systems is the opportunity to encourage the development of recreational facilities within Provincial Natural Areas, potentially by becoming recognized Stewards of these areas (see Section 5.2.1). They could also greatly improve the attraction and enjoyment of rural campgrounds. As with the Drayton Valley – Rocky Rapids trail system, some trail segments would need to be established on private lands to connect the system. The same process recommended in Section 5.1.1 and Section 4 would be applied to locate and develop these rural trails. The rural trail system will, at least at first, be established in disconnected pockets. The County could work towards connecting the rural system over the long term (For example, see Section 5.1.3). These designs are in the early stages, and could change drastically through the consultation process; for example, non-motorized trails could become motorized trails, or vice versa.

Photo: Environmental education (Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council)

5.1.2.1 Lindale Trail System

Map 10 conceptualizes a surfaced and unsurfaced trail that runs along Modeste Creek and connects the Lindale Rodeo Grounds, Lindale Community Hall, Birchwood Village, and Birchwood Golf and Country Club. North of Lindale, the trail could explore Modeste Creek Provincial Natural Area, where plant fossil material along the banks of the creek provide interpretive opportunities. Map 10 also presents an opportunity to extend the trail system south to connect with the existing Modeste Campground; which would require establishment of private reserves or easements. Several comments were noted during consultation with the general public specifically identifying Lindale as an area in need of more child-friendly recreation opportunities; an area-trail system could help to address this request.

5.1.2.2 Buck Creek Trail System

Map 10 conceptualizes an unsurfaced trail that would connect Buck Creek Hall with Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area and the proposed Picnic Area (See Section 5.1.6), and could extend east to connect with Buck Lake Creek Natural Area, however this would necessitate a crossing of Highway #22. Consultation with the Adjacent Landowners Association, a group of engaged landowners largely residing in and around Buck Creek, indicated a desire for family-oriented multiple recreational uses in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area adjacent to Buck Creek. This trail is conceptualized as unsurfaced and non-motorized to accommodate the equestrian users of the area, but could be considered as multi-use to connect various activities to the Family-Oriented Recreation Site proposed for Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area in Section 5.1.4. Ideally, this trail system would eventually connect with Kay-Son Campground to the north; however, this would require several private reserves and/or easements making it difficult to conceptualize a route.

5.1.2.3 Lodgepole Trail System

Map 12 conceptualizes an expanded trail system with several different activity types. The recreation hub at the north end of Range Road 93 on the Pembina River occurs at the confluence of managed snowmobile trails and equestrian trails (the Riverside Trail System), and unmanaged all-terrain vehicle trails. There is also considerable industrial infrastructure in the area.

A strong interest was indicated by County Council and Senior Staff during the strategic recreation planning session held on August 11, 2014 for realizing the motorized recreation potential of this area, while respecting the existing equestrian use extending to the northeast. Suggestions included incorporating an interpretive trail system for recently burned forests, developing rest areas that encourage enjoyment of the Pembina River, and creating an underpass crossing of Highway #620 to connect the trails with the Brazeau ATV Club system. Additional community consultation revealed a desire for this type of recreation development; the Brazeau Snowmobile Club recommended creating multi-user warm-up huts at this location. The Lodgepole Campground was desirous of a motorized trail connecting to their site, and generally campers at this location recommend additional motorized trails are needed.

Some of the ATV trails could be formalized, and the system connected to the Brazeau ATV Club trails with a managed crossing of Highway #620. Extending the trails and encouraging ATV traffic to move south would increase the all-terrain recreation potential of Brazeau County, while also reducing potential conflict between equestrian and motorized users. The trail system could also be connected with Lodgepole Campground.

Although the main purpose of Provincial Grazing Reserves is to provide summer pasture for Alberta's farmers and ranchers on public land, enabling them to use their own land for crop and hay production, the reserves also offer a variety of recreational opportunities including hunting, hiking, trail riding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sightseeing. Recreation, notably, nordic skiing, trail riding, and snowmobiling (rallies) is allowed in the Pembina Provincial Grazing Reserve just northwest (AESRD 2013), with permission, and motorized and non- motorized trails could expand in this reserve only with the collaboration and consent of the Pembina Grazing Association and AESRD.

Focussed consultation with the Drayton Valley Horse Club and Snowmobile Club could establish whether other activities could coincide with these managed trail systems (e.g., hiking and snowshoeing). Furthermore, the confluence of these activities at the north end of Range Road 93 could be considered for a formal, all season campground / staging area providing camping opportunities along the Pembina in the summer, and warm-up shelters in the winter.

Map 10. Conceptual trail system in the Lindale area.

Map 11. Conceptual trail system in the Buck Creek area.

5.1.3 Inter-municipal all-terrain vehicle trail system

Highlights: Motorized off-highway vehicle recreation is enjoyed by many residents and visitors in Brazeau County. Local public consultation revealed that recreating with off-highway vehicles such as all- terrain vehicles, motorcycles and snowmobiles was the second most common recreation activity enjoyed by survey respondents after walking and hiking for pleasure and exercise. More than twice as many local respondents (to a previous outdoor recreational survey) than provincial survey respondents used ATVs and snowmobiles.

Options Brazeau County could consider initiating and leading/co-leading the planning of an intermunicipal ATV trail system that connects with adjacent municipalities in order: o Engage with adjacent municipalities, AESRD, Alberta Parks, Industry and ATV Recreational Groups; o Connect existing or proposed trails, sites of interest, the Brazeau ATV Club trail system, the Brazeau Node, campgrounds, etc; o Include a funding model for construction, maintenance and stewardship of the trail system.

Motorized all-terrain vehicle recreation is enjoyed by many residents and visitors in Brazeau County. Public consultation revealed that recreating with all-terrain vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and snowmobiles was the second most common recreation activity enjoyed by survey respondents after walking and hiking for pleasure and exercise. A previous recreational survey for Brazeau County reported the following highlights6 and also compared a few of the County-specific results with the broader Alberta survey, as follows: ATV riding – 36% of survey respondents in Brazeau County reported that they used ATV or snowmobile trails compared to only 15% of provincial respondents. Although users currently enjoy the existing trail systems for all-terrain vehicle recreation, recent planning endeavours with Brazeau County and the results of the consultation strongly indicate that much more work is needed to provide a safe, enjoyable trail system that reduces overall impacts to the natural environment, reduces conflicts with other users and adjacent landowners, improves public safety, and connects to trail systems in adjoining municipalities.

A focussed discussion on the potential for a cross-country motorized trail system took place on August 15, 2014. Brazeau County Council, Senior Administration, representatives from AESRD and Alberta Parks and the Brazeau ATV Club recognized the importance of realizing such a trail system. Brazeau County could consider initiating and leading/co-leading the planning of a cross- country ATV trail system that connects with trails outside of Brazeau County. This planning endeavour should engage rural residents, adjacent municipalities, AESRD, Alberta Parks, Industry and ATV Recreational Groups. Building on the concept described in Mp 11, this

6 O2 Planning and Design Ltd. 2010. Recreation Needs Assessment: Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. 63

planning endeavour will deliver a concept for a trail system that connects with existing or proposed trails, sites of interest, the Brazeau ATV Club trail system, the Brazeau Node, and several campgrounds. The planning for this trail system should make use of existing resources, and should:

Include a full review of applicable environmental factors that should guide the placement of trails, such as environmentally significant areas to avoid, slopes, and watercourses; Apply lessons learned from good examples; Consultation and engagement with stakeholders; A stewardship plan for the trail system; Funding sources and arrangements; Signage standards.

It is anticipated that the majority of this trail system will be located west and north of Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area, where conflicts with adjacent landowners are minimal due to few private land holdings. Focussing the trail system in this area does not preclude ATV trail planning in other parts of the County, however, as part of the rural trail system. Ideally, all- terrain vehicle planning would lead to a network of trails across the County that connect to other trails across the province.

Photo: ATV use is popular outdoor recreation activity (EPBR Parks Council)

5.1.4 Family-oriented ATV areas: Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area east of river

Highlights Adjacent landowner concerns and topographical and environmental limitations for the ATV use in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area east of the river suggest that focussing ATV use to a family-oriented system and integrating this use with other outdoor recreational uses would be advisable.

Options Consider planning and developing a family-oriented multi-use recreation site in Blue Rapids Recreation Area east of the North Saskatchewan River, including: o A touring ATV trail system (with reclamation of existing damaged trails); o Equestrian trails; o Single track cross-country bike trails; o Interpretive walking trails to highlight key ecological areas and features; o Incorporation of day-use / picnic areas for family and group use.

Adjacent landowner concerns and topographical and wet areas limitations of an ATV trail system in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area east of the river suggest that focussing ATV use to a family-oriented system (see Glossary for definition of “Family-oriented ATV areas”) and integrating this use with other outdoor recreational uses would be advisable. A focussed discussion of the potential of such a trail system took place between the Eagle Point - Blue Rapids Parks Council on October 28, 2014, followed by a written summary developed by the Adjacent Landowners Association. The full Parks Council board discussed this site on February 23, 2014 and recognized both the need for management of recreation activities and the challenge of managing ATV use.

Such a trail system could consist of short loops potentially with long connector trails (if this can be achieved safely and with minimal environmental damage, especially considering steep topography, wet areas and other environmentally-sensitive sites), and incorporate picnic areas, look-outs, and river access points on foot. The existing trail system requires reclamation efforts to address erosion problems from many years of overuse; the modified trail system could be designed to minimize erosion and keep slopes to lesser grades, and include crossing structures for creeks and streams. A plan for multiple types of use in this area may be beneficial, including interpretive trails and sites, while maintaining a family-oriented theme.

A conceptual approach to designing, implementing and managing recreation uses in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area east of the river needs to recognize that it will require: time, and will need to be done in stages as funding becomes available, as successes and community consensus are realized; a multi-faceted approach, including a combination of engineering, education and enforcement solutions; compatibility with the Provincial Recreation Area designation and related policies, and; the support of existing leaseholders.

A series of maps follow that present a conceptual approach to begin the design and implementation of recreation management in the east side of Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area: Map 13a shows topographic contours, as one example of a feature which present challenges for managing ATV especially in regards to safety issues and environmentally sensitive areas; Map 13b shows wet areas, as another example of a feature which present challenges for managing ATV especially in regards to safety issues and environmentally sensitive areas; Map 13c shows examples of significant conservation features which also present challenges for managing ATV especially in regards to safety issues and environmentally sensitive areas; Map 13d shows areas potentially suitable for focussed ATV use, and: Map 13e shows conceptual recreational zones in the east side of Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area.

5.1.5 Campgrounds

Highlights The results of the local public consultations and provincial surveys demonstrated the huge demand for camping accommodations in Brazeau County that are not currently being met. 40% of respondents choose to random camp, and the primary reason for random camping was to camp with a group.

Options Encourage the construction of at least two new full-service campgrounds, one that facilitates access to the Brazeau ATV Trails o Explore locating one full-service campground in the vicinity of NW 15, 22, or NW23-47-8 W5M in the Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. If this is not feasible, an area for an OHV-friendly campground should be explored outside the parks system. o Explore locating one full service campground east of the North Saskatchewan River in the Eagle Point Provincial Park NE of Willey West campground (end of RR 71) in Section 7 lands. Dedicate funding or in-kind resources to the construction of the primitive / paddle-in campground at the east end of 494 Explore locating a campground on the Pembina River at the north end of Range Road 93, at the congruence of the Riverside Trails and the Snowmobile Trail System (could be adjusted to 10 year priority) In the short term, start negotiations with sand and gravel operators for reclamation of pits in key areas to major campground facilities. Discuss the potential for locating campgrounds at SE 25, NE 24 and SE 24-47-8 W5M as well as SE 14-49-7 W5M with Associated Aggregates Encourage new private campgrounds on private lands Encourage expansion of existing private campgrounds where feasible, and work with/ support existing campgrounds to incorporate existing and proposed recreational facilities (e.g., adjacent trails, boat launches) into their planning. Formalize primitive campsites along popular paddling and riverboat routes on the Pembina and North Saskatchewan River (e.g., NW and SW 16-50-6 W5M). Work with AESRD to establish common random camping sites, and encourage AESRD to manage these areas for recreational use (no new incompatible leases in the area). Encourage Alberta Parks and the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council to clarify guidelines regarding random camping in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area Support Community Hall Associations in providing or expanding/upgrading camping space near their halls and facilities.

The results of the local public consultation demonstrated the huge demand for camping accommodations in Brazeau County that are not currently being met. Consultations with local campground operators showed they were at least 90% capacity during the camping season; vacancies were rarely available over weekends, and never available over long weekends. Campground operators indicated that often more than 50% of sites were occupied by industrial workers. Demand was largely for campsites providing power and water, but did not necessarily need to be full service. RV camping was far more popular with survey respondents than tent camping, at 75% and 18%, respectively.

Local public consultation also revealed that 60% of respondents considered themselves to be campground campers, whereas 40% of respondents considered themselves to be random campers. The large majority of campers prefer provincial campgrounds at 68%, whereas 16% prefer private campgrounds, and 16% prefer municipal campgrounds, and looked for campgrounds that allowed them to camp near family and friends (for example, at group sites), had a good gravel or paved access road, and accepted reservations. The main reasons for random camping were to facilitate camping in a group with friends and family, being able to easily choose their own camping spot or location (57%), and that campground campsites are too close together.

In a recent provincial survey,7 camping was the first favourite activity among 8% of the respondents. In terms of primitive campgrounds, another provincial survey8 had these results: 56.3% of survey respondents thought there are sufficient places for canoe in camping with limited services; 46.9% thought there were sufficient places for camping at more rustic, less developed site, and 46.4% thought there are sufficient backcountry camping with limited or no access.

The results of public consultations related to campgrounds suggests that, although expanding existing campgrounds and creating new campgrounds and campsites is an important part of meeting the camping demand in Brazeau County, consideration must also be given to managing and facilitating random camping. The management of random camping was also identified as a necessity by County Council and Senior Administration during the recreation strategy session of August 11, 2014. This Plan proposes meeting the need for additional camping space and enhanced facilities by:

Creating new campgrounds (perhaps up to five in the next ten years) Developing primitive campsites on the Brazeau Reservoir, and along the North Saskatchewan and Pembina Rivers Formalizing campsites associated with Picnic / Day-Use Areas (See Section 5.1.6) Expanding visitor capacity of existing campgrounds and encourage new campgrounds on private lands Facilitating camping on community hall grounds Establish ‘Random Camping Zones’ on provincial public land either through a Visitor Services Zone or other designation Confirm random camping regulations in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area and on Provincial Public Land

The preference for provincial campgrounds suggests that new campgrounds should be located in the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System and at the Brazeau Reservoir. This is supported by the fact that, when asked of the ideal locations for new campgrounds with an open ended question, the top three responses were the North Saskatchewan River, the Brazeau Reservoir, and near an unspecified body of water. The Pembina River was the fourth most popular location. The

7 Alberta Government Report March 2014 http://www.tpr.alberta.ca/recreation/resources/research-analytics/recreation-survey/recreation-survey- results/pdf/AB-Rec-2013-ReportFinal.pdf 8 Priorities for Alberta’s Parks. 2008. http://www.albertaparks.ca/media/3239/Praxis%20Report%20Final.pdf 71

next sections discuss five potential locations for full service campgrounds in Brazeau County. These locations were chosen based on knowledge of the field and attractive sites for camping, proximity to existing recreational facilities, an existing, sufficient access road, density of existing industrial facilities, and environmental constraints, such as wet areas mapping. Opportunities to reclaim existing sand and gravel extraction operation sites to campgrounds are also advantageous, as reclamation work conducted by the extracting company would help to cover construction costs.

5.1.5.1 Full Service or Power and Water Campgrounds

Brazeau County Councillors voiced a need for a large, full service campground west of Drayton Valley that allows staging for a variety of recreational activities, including ATV use, horseback riding, hiking, and boating (both paddle and motor). This large campground could be designed to segregate the different types of activities such that minimal or no conflict occurred among user groups. This campground would also be designed so that party members choosing to remain at camp would be comfortable and entertained with easy to access facilities. A strategy session among recreational organizations on the Parks Council board discussed several potential locations for this campground; the top two potential locations resulting from this strategy session are shown on Map 14 and described below:

Location Considerations:

1. NW 15, 22, or NW23-47-8 W5M in the Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. If this is not feasible, an area for an OHV-friendly campground should be explored outside the parks system. The potential locations in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area should have decent gravel road access throughout, and provides access to the Brazeau ATV Club trails. Concerns with this general location are that some options are not directly on the North Saskatchewan River (Site1 on Map 14) and may not have full ATV club support nor adjacent landowner support. However, walking trails could potentially be developed to the river, and the Brazeau ATV Club has indicated that access directly to the river is not a requirement in choosing a site for ATV staging from a campground. Appropriately locating an OHN-friendly full-service campground in this general region should help to reduce conflict between recreational groups as 4x4 jeeps commonly access the Brazeau ATV Club trails, which does not conform to the regulations of Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area.

2. Another advantageous location for a full service, RV campground is the south end of Range Road 81 in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area and Section 7 lands, west of Drayton Valley (Site 2 on Map 14). This site was mentioned particularly by County Council, and would allow ATV staging to the west, equestrian use to the east (where these two activities are allocated, respectively), and access to the North Saskatchewan River. The location is en route to the Brazeau Node, Nordegg and Banff National Park via the Sunchild Road. Associated Aggregates is reclaiming a small portion of this site to provide day-use recreation and river access, and is also planning additional extraction activities in this location. Although construction of the campground would have to wait until reclamation work had initiated, this could be in the next few years if the gravel is

extracted and reclaimed in phases, and the campground could be developed in phases as well. Road improvement will likely be made to provide access to the gravel operations in this area, and the location proves easy access to the North Saskatchewan River. There are concerns with locating costly infrastructure on this site due to frequent flooding and ice jams.

In addition to the full service campground allowing easy access to the Brazeau ATV trails, another excellent location for a full service campground is at the north end of Range Road 71, just north of Willey West (Site 3 on Map 15). Although this site is located in non-motorized Eagle Point Provincial Park, the non-motorized opportunities are excellent. The site is on the North Saskatchewan River, in close proximity to the Bowbenders Archery Range, and provides excellent hiking and biking opportunities at the Willey West Hillside and Hilltop trails. This campground would provide staging opportunities for lower impact recreational activities, including day or multi-day canoe trips, and has been discussed for the potential of an amphitheatre. Range road 71 provides easy access to this site, which has been used by Associated Aggregates for gravel extraction. Gravel extraction activities are nearing completion in this area, and reclamation to a full service campground could potentially be coordinated in a timely manner.

When the Park Management Plan for the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area was completed in 2012, Alberta Parks and the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council endeavoured to locate a campground in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area on the east side of the North Saskatchewan River, providing ATV access to existing trails in this area. However, landscape constraints of the escarpment and saturated soils, as well as strong concerns voiced by adjacent landowners, has made locating a campground in this area difficult. During the strategy session on October 16, 2014, the best possible location for this campground was identified as 32- 47-7 W5M, south of the river. An existing gravel road provides access to this site. Existing ATV trails do traverse this area; however, some of them are in poor shape and require upgrades to continue to be useable. Furthermore, use of ATVs on the riparian gravel deposits and the river is a concern in this area, therefore stewardship plans and enforcement will be an important consideration prior to encouraging ATV use from this campground.

As already discussed in Section 5.1.2, the congruence of several recreational trail systems on the Pembina River on the north end of Range Road 93 provides an excellent opportunity for the development of a full service campground. This site occurs on provincial public land, where the Riverside trails, snowmobile trails, and unmanaged ATV trails occur. Because the Pembina River is a much smaller river in comparison to the North Saskatchewan, access does not have to contend with a steep escarpment, and campsites could actually be located in closer proximity to the river. As discussed in Section 4.1, the Pembina River is a family and recreation-friendly watercourse whose potential is unrealized in Brazeau County (Map16).

5.1.5.2 Primitive campgrounds and campsites

A primitive campground with drive-in and walk-in camp sites is proposed and is in the last stages of planning for the end of Township Road 494, adjacent to the Pembina Nordic Ski Club facilities (Map 17) and is part of the Rotary Riverside partnership park. This site is located on the

North Saskatchewan River, and is planned to be connected to existing trails for hiking, biking and nordic skiing, and the Drayton-Rocky Rapids Trail System (Section 5.1.1) when it is realized. This campground would cater to walk-in tent campers, paddle-in tent campers, and would provide a space for hosting outdoor education programs. The main focus of the overall development is a day-use area with cook-shelter, playground, park, trails, picnic sites, group campsite and hand boat launch (see section 5.1.6).

In a Survey of Albertan's Priorities for Provincial Parks (2008) (http://www.albertaparks.ca/media/3239/Praxis%20Report%20Final.pdf), only 56.3% of survey respondents thought there are sufficient places for canoe in camping with limited services, only 50% thought facilities for canoeing, and kayaking day trips were adequate, and 54% recommended increased investment in land devoted to non-motorized recreation, such as canoeing.

Several potential locations for primitive campsites along the North Saskatchewan River (Map 18) and the Pembina River presented themselves during the development of this Plan. Such sites could be accessed only by water, or also by road of existing access permits. For some of these sites, the only work that would be required to establish them as primitive campsites would be to identify them on recreation maps. As recreation planning and management progresses in the County, locating primitive washroom facilities, picnic tables, fire pits and permanent bear-proof containers for food storage (if not accessible by vehicle) would definitely make these sites more user-friendly. Regular maintenance on such sites would by low (e.g. twice per year). In addition to the proposed primitive campground for the end of Township Road 494, adjacent to the Pembina Nordic Ski Club facilities (Maps 17 and 18); several more sites will likely be identified through further recreation planning over the next several years.

Map 14. Conceptual locations for ATV-friendly full service campground in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area and Section 7 lands.

Map 15. Conceptual location for a full service (non ATV) campground in Eagle point Provincial Park (in the long term) (Site 3).

Map 16. Pembina River conceptual campground location.

Map 17. Location of Rotary Club’s Eagle Point Provincial Park day use area, including a primitive campsite.

Map 18. Potential primitive campsites accessible along the North Saskatchewan River.

5.1.5.3 Proposed campground enhancements and expansions

Expanding and enhancing existing facilities would further meet the demand for additional camping space in Brazeau County. The two existing provincial campgrounds in Brazeau County provide varying opportunities for expansion. A plan as part of the vision for the Brazeau Node would see the expansion of camping opportunities around the Brazeau Reservoir. If the Brazeau Node vision is realized, an additional 250 campsites and 9 group campsites could be developed in the camping zone that has already been identified. Furthermore, a recent decision to close a group camping and day use area with a boat launch should be reconsidered to maintain camping space; this proposed closure was also a concern identified through public consultation.

The opportunities for expansion of Willey West Campground are more limited, with the construction of the new highway bridge to the south, the North Saskatchewan River cutting into the bank on the west, and steep slopes to the east and north. Initial consultations with private campground operators suggest an appetite for campground expansion, such as at Kay-Son, and further consultations should refine the private campgrounds best suited for expansion. Another important opportunity for campground expansion would be Pih-To-Kwe, which is already County-owned, and surrounded by provincial public land providing fewer limitations to expansion. This parcel of provincial public land may also be an excellent location for developing and expanding the trail system and for locating other recreational facilities.

5.1.5.4 Community Hall Associations

Some community halls in Brazeau County provide camping opportunities on their hall grounds, especially if a group has rented the hall for a function. The camping opportunities and facilities could be promoted and augmented at interested community halls with additional support from the County. This must be considered in conjunction with access to appropriate sanitation facilities for recreation vehicles.

5.1.5.5 Random camping

Random camping is very important to the recreational enjoyment of Brazeau County. Currently, almost 40% of respondents to our Future Recreation Survey choose to random camp, and the primary reason for random camping was to camp with a group. Unless a multitude of group camping areas are developed, random camping will continue to occur. Furthermore, some respondents choose to random camp for reasons that cannot be addressed by creating additional group sites. The recognition that random camping will continue to take place occurred in the Strategy Session with County Council and Senior Administration; therefore identifying strategies to manage it is important.

Random Camping is an important recreational activity on Provincial Public Land (Green Area), and is permitted anywhere on AESRD public lands with certain restrictions. If the land is leased, permission is required from the party holding the lease. Campers must set up their temporary, portable structures at least 30 m back from the edge of any watercourse. Full guidelines set out by AESRD must be followed by random campers, and are available on the Respect the Land Brochure (AESRD 2013). Due to prolific development of industrial infrastructure and associated

leases across public lands in Brazeau County for oil and gas extraction, the County should consider establishing ‘random camping areas’ where incompatible uses, such as large scale industrial developments, would be limited. Since primary random camping areas are usually also adjacent to waterbodies, preserving these areas would also help to preserve wildlife corridors and provide a vegetation buffer for maintaining water quality. These ‘random camping areas’ could be marked on tourism materials produced by Brazeau County.

Considerable random camping takes place in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area during the summer months, and especially on the long weekends. However, users of this area are not certain of rules and regulations governing random camping, especially considering the number of industrial facilities occurring in the PRA. The Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council should work with Alberta Parks to clarify where random camping is permitted, considering environmental and safety concerns. If random camping is not permitted, some areas that are traditionally used for random camping could be considered for group campsites. This may help to alleviate some of the camping demand, and will also help to focus reclamation activities in the PRA.

5.1.6 Picnic / Day-use areas

Highlights Local survey respondents from the community thought the least sufficient facilities in Brazeau County were campgrounds, boat launches, and day-use areas. The majority of survey respondents recommended more sites to enjoy waterways. Places to swim were identified in the Praxis (2008) survey as an important reason to visit a particular park. The Rotary Riverside partnership park is already proposed and partially funded. It is an amazing opportunity to vastly increase day use opportunities in the short term. Garbage cans, clean facilities and well maintained trails and facilities were the most important aspects of open spaces and facilities to survey respondents.

Options Review, refine and prioritize day-use areas (and campsites) that provide river access; Move forward as soon as possible with full funding and development, including improved road access, for the Rotary Riverside partnership park; Review other potential sites, such as County-owned land in accessible locations along the Pembina River, Boggy Hall, and the Lodgepole bridge over the Pembina River; Develop a plan for the Buck Creek Site in consultation with Arc Resources regarding development of this day-use area.

Picnic / Day-use areas are publically accessible sites whose main purpose is to provide a site to recreate during the day. They typically do not provide facilities for overnight camping. Formal day-use areas usually have some combination of picnic tables, fire rings, and space to enjoy lawn games. Some day-use areas include cook shelters, toilets, garbage collection, playgrounds and/or provide water / river access. Brazeau County has one formal day use area at Willey West Campground that is heavily used; use is not currently limited to campground visitors. Day use areas were considered one of the least sufficient facilities in Brazeau County, and the majority of

survey respondents in the Future Recreation survey recommended more sites to enjoy waterways. Places to swim were identified in the Praxis (2008) survey as an important reason to visit a particular park.

There exist in Brazeau County several informal day use areas that could be formalized to enhance satisfaction with these sites, and improve public safety while decreasing environmental impacts. There also exist several parcels of Brazeau County owned land that could be considered for day-use areas as demand escalates. Formalizing these day-use areas would include setting up some combination of:

- Fire rings - Picnic tables - Toilets - Parking pad - Signs encouraging stewardship regulations - Hand boat launches for paddle routes - Garbage receptacles and collection

Although day-use areas do not typically permit overnight camping, campsites could be developed at some of these areas to help meet demand, as long as day users are still free to enjoy the facility. Camping could be random first come first serve basis, or regulated through the County similar to Easyford Campground. Ideally the campsites would be buffered from the day use area.

The following sites are examples of options for formalization of day use areas (Map 19). Each of these sites was discussed and encouraged during the strategy session with County Council and Senior Administration:

- Berrymoor Bridge (Potential group site (RV) accommodation) The southeast site of Berrymoor Bridge is commonly used as an informal group camping site and day use area. A field area beside the bridge provides space for several RV’s, and there is parking space for many vehicles. There is also an informal boat launch for paddle boats; the slight slope, parking and easy river access make this is a common take-out and put-in point for paddlers.

- City Service Bridge (Potential tent camping, limited sites) Sites on both sides of the road at the west end of the city service bridge are used as day-use areas and for overnight tent camping. The sites and access lanes to them are not sufficient for RV camping. These areas provide decent access to the Pembina River and are used as put-ins and take outs by paddle boaters for common paddle routes. These sites occur at the east/north end of the Drayton Valley Horse Club Riverside Trails.

- Farmers Picnic Area Farmer’s Picnic Area occurs on the Pembina River along the Drayton Valley Horse Club Riverside Trails. This site currently provides a sandy beach to enjoy the river and a swimming hole, and a grassy area that is often rutted due to truck access during wet

conditions. If parking areas were designated and surfaced properly, there would be space for several cars; however campers or RVs would probably not fit due to difficulty turning around. Some grass-covered areas could also be left for tent camping, or the site could be strictly day-use.

- Buck Creek Site Directly west of Buck Creek Hall is a large site in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area overlooking the North Saskatchewan River. The area is currently leased from Alberta Parks by Arc Resources Ltd.; however, discussions with Arc Resources indicate that this site is no longer required for resource extraction purposes, and Arc may be open to reclaiming the site to a day-use area with a cook shelter, fire rings and picnic tables, that could be used year round. A county road allowance provides access directly to this site.

5.1.6.1 Rotary Riverside Partnership Park

The Rotary Riverside partnership park has been proposed and is in the last stages of planning for the end of Township Road 494, adjacent to the Pembina Nordic Ski Club facilities (see general location in Map 17). This site is located on the North Saskatchewan River, and is planned to be connected to existing trails for hiking, biking and nordic skiing, and the Drayton-Rocky Rapids Trail System (Section 5.1.1) when it is realized. A primitive walk-in campground (see Section 5.1.5.2) would cater to walk-in tent campers, paddle-in tent campers. But the main focus of the overall development is a day-use area (see section 5.1.6).

The day-use area proposal includes a playground, fire rings, cook shelter, picnic sites, group campsite and a hand boat launch (Maps 20a and 20b).

The Pembina Nordic Ski Club has been a primary proponent and supporter of this campground, as they recognize the need to manage use at the end of Township Road #494; current overuse often results in garbage dumping and environmental degradation that is substantially impacting the site. Several not-for-profit groups identified the lack of area for conducting outdoor recreation events for youth (e.g. Jr. Forest Wardens, Boys and Girls Club), and teachers are identifying a need for these types of programs (no trace camping, etc.); this campground would provide a safe space to hold such events. This site is also recommended as a low impact camping area by several respondents in the Future Recreation survey. Furthermore, this site will provide managed and safe site for accessing water (the North Saskatchewan River), which has been identified in our own and other provincial surveys of Albertans priorities for recreation in the province. The Rotary Club has committed $120,000 to $150,000 of cash towards the construction of this campground, contingent on Brazeau County providing approximately $240,000 of in kind work towards the road and earthworks, and $280,000 of in kind towards the earthworks from the private sector.

Map 19. Day use areas – existing and proposed.

Map 20a. Rotary Riverside partnership park – overall group of facilities.

Map 20b. Rotary Riverside partnership park – zoom-in of main facilities.

5.1.7 Paddling, boating, and floating

Highlights Brazeau County has fantastic boating and floating opportunities. Access to rivers and water for recreational purposes was consistently important to the local public through consultation, with boat launches and picnic areas important as recreational developments. Access to water-based activities is a key decision point for RV campers.

Options Develop a high quality, current map of river routes in Brazeau County with details describing route distances, times, camping areas, sites of interest, and additional contact information; Install signage along river routes identifying key locations along the way, distance to next access points, and maps of the river route. Make these signs consistent with paper maps; Take advantage of all tourism information avenues available now and in future to advertise Brazeau County’s boating, paddling and floating opportunities; Develop campgrounds for more comfortable camping along river routes (e.g. Township Road 494 campground); Develop paddle boat launches at the proposed Rotary Club’s no-service campground (Township Road 494); Formalize day-use and overnight campsites along river routes with fire rings and picnic tables, and develop a plan for waste management at these sites (e.g. City Service Bridge).

With three awesome rivers (Brazeau, North Saskatchewan and Pembina) and the Brazeau Reservoir, Brazeau County has fantastic boating and floating opportunities.

In one provincial survey,9 access to water-based activities such as fishing, canoeing, boating and swimming is important, in fact a key decision point, for many RV campers (39% indicated it is ‘essential’ and 50% ‘preferred’ in their choice of campground). Access to rivers and water for recreational purposes was consistently important to the local public, with boat launches and picnic areas important as recreational developments. Consultations also revealed that recreational boating clubs and the general public would like clear signage indicating distances and estimated time intervals depending on your activity (eg. Paddling or floating), and additional tourism information relating to the river routes and camping opportunities.

Motorboats navigate the North Saskatchewan River from June to September or October (depending on weather and safety), while the Brazeau and Pembina Rivers are accessible to motorboats only in the spring and early summer seasons due to lessening water levels. Kayaks and canoes can paddle all three rivers as long as weather and safety permits; early spring is often dangerous due to high water levels. In addition to boating, many visitors and residents enjoy floating down the river on inflatable tubes or boats. Floating occurs only on the Pembina and North Saskatchewan Rivers; the Brazeau River is too remote, colder and more dangerous due to rougher water. The time it takes for floaters to travel from put-in to take-out can be misleading,

9 Priorities for Alberta’s Parks. 2008. http://www.albertaparks.ca/media/3239/Praxis%20Report%20Final.pdf. 87

and often floaters do not bring sufficient provisions with them for weather changes, food or water.

To facilitate paddling, boating and floating opportunities in the County, development and enhancement of recreational facilities, as well as considerable tourism and outreach materials to inform a safe and enjoyable trip on the river, are recommended. Additional formalized boat launches should be constructed, and paddling and floating put-ins and take-outs should be identified and promoted through tourism and outreach.

5.1.7.1 Tourism and Outreach

The most important recommendation related to boating, aside from additional launches for motor boats, is the need for tourism and outreach material informing paddlers and floaters to ensure safe and enjoyable river trips. This should include a high quality, current map of river routes in Brazeau County with details describing route distances, times, camping areas, and additional contact information. Signage should be installed along river routes identifying key locations along the way, distance to next access points, and maps of the river route. Make these signs consistent with paper maps. Finally, Brazeau County (likely through the Tourism Authority) should take advantage of all tourism information avenues available now and in the future to advertise Brazeau County’s boating, paddling and floating opportunities.

5.1.7.2 Motor boat launches

Boat launches were identified as one of the least sufficient facilities in Brazeau County, and the Brazeau County Riverboat Club expressed a strong desire for new and improved boat launches in safe, managed areas. There is currently only one formal boat launch on the North Saskatchewan River; at Willey West Campground. Since the high waters (flood) of spring 2013, this boat launch requires more maintenance than previous years to keep it operational for motor boats. This is the only boat launch for search and rescue / emergency and safety boats to access the North Saskatchewan River. Motor boats can also be launched from the Berrymoor Bridge Picnic Area; however this is not considered a formal launch site. Consultation with the West Central Riverboat Association indicated a strong need for new launches, preferably in a centralized location with decent road access.

There are no formal boat launches for motor boats accessing the Pembina River; the launch at Easyford Campground is no longer useable for motorboats due to water erosion. A boat launch could be considered for the proposed Pembina River campground, where an informal launch is already present, at one of the Picnic / Day-use areas on the Pembina River, or on one of the County-owned land parcels of the Pembina River. Currently, motor boats are typically launched onto the Brazeau Reservoir by backing onto the beach. A public boat launch is present; however, access to this site is planned to be closed off (see Section 5.1.5.3).

5.1.7.3 Paddle boat and floating launches

Recommendations throughout Section 5 of this Plan have already identified sites for hand launches for paddling and floating. These include a new hand launch from the proposed Township Road 494 campground for paddling, proposed developments and enhancements for Picnic / Day-use Areas, and consideration of county-owned land for day-use areas or campsites that would include hand launches for boating.

5.1.7.4 Camping for boaters

Camping available for boaters along these rivers can occur in formal campgrounds, primitive campsites such as those discussed for paddling in Section 5.1.5.2, or random camping on AESRD administered public lands. Discussion and recommendations related to camping are provided in Section 5.1.5.

5.1.8 Community pasture for wild turkey / pheasant release

Highlights The release of game birds (wild turkey or pheasants) on a community pasture or County-owned lands would provide another unique and sought after opportunity for hunters, and was a particular recommendation of the Drayton Valley Chapter of the Safari Club International.

Options Initiate planning for community pasture for wild turkey / pheasant release, to be initially lead by interested clubs /organizations If planning is successful, secure land and develop, lead by interested clubs / organizations (e.g., Safari Club International – Drayton Valley Chapter) Examine lease option for site issued to an interested club / organization.

The release of game birds (wild turkey or pheasants) on a community pasture or County-owned lands would provide another unique and sought after opportunity for hunters, and was a particular recommendation of the Drayton Valley Chapter of the Safari Club International. Pheasant releases are already done in several communities in Alberta by the Alberta Fish & Game Association including Red Deer, Stettler, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. Local community or school groups could be involved in raising the game birds as part of the release as an additional educational and conservation component.

Wild turkey release (http://koin.com/2013/04/29/wild-turkey-shootings/)

5.1.9 Community trout pond

Highlights Community stocked trout ponds make a great addition to the community as they are often close enough to easily access for an evening or weekend fishing experience, and was also a particular recommendation of the Drayton Valley Chapter of the Safari Club International.

Options Initiate planning for community trout pond, to be initially lead by interested clubs /organizations If planning is successful, secure land and develop, lead by interested clubs / organizations (e.g., Safari Club International – Drayton Valley Chapter). Examine lease option for site issued to an interested club / organization.

Community stocked trout ponds make a great addition to the community as they are often close enough to easily access for an evening or weekend fishing experience, and was also a particular recommendation of the Drayton Valley Chapter of the Safari Club International. Provincial fishing regulations still apply to these ponds and they are excellent resources for promoting fishing and wetland stewardship. There is potential for the development of a trout pond from the burrow pit near Pih-To-Kwe Campground where soil for the intersection in front of Brazeau County was extracted from. Trout ponds could also be considered as part of larch-scale reclamation work following sand and gravel extraction activities.

Example of community trout pond (http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink- g60138-i59601964-New_London_Wisconsin.html). 5.2 Programs and services

5.2.1 Parks, Natural Areas and provincial crown lands program

Highlights Support for a Park System expansion occurred in the open-ended question of our survey. And environmental protection and conservation is the top investment priority for Provincial Parks for Albertans. Public land along the Pembina River, the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System, the numerous designated Natural Areas in the eastern part of the County, and the large area of Crown land in the western portion of the County – all these Crown lands are an enormous asset for outdoor recreation and open spaces planning and development for the County.

Options Establish Brazeau County or a recreational partner (e.g. Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council) as Stewards (Alberta Parks designation) for Provincial Natural Areas in Brazeau County: o Augment and promote recreational opportunities at natural areas (e.g. hunting, hiking, etc.); Support the EPBR Parks Council in advocating for the expansion of the EPBR Park System upstream to the Brazeau Reservoir and downstream towards Devon/Edmonton; Conduct a review of vacant public lands with prime recreation potential for Brazeau County and work with AESRD to dedicate these lands for recreation purposes (e.g. with leases, or by establishing Visitor Services Zones); Work with AESRD, landowners and non-profit organizations to establish a conservation and recreation corridor of riparian lands along the Pembina River, through a combination of EcoGifts, conservation easements, environmental reserves, and provincial land designations.

The Pembina River is an important conservation and recreation resource that currently has limited long-term protection from development. Brazeau County should consider a program to work towards increased protection of provincial public and/or private lands along the Pembina through a combination of land designations:

- Provincial Park or Protected Area - Natural Area - Visitor Services Zone - Municipal and Environmental Reserves - EcoGifts and Conservation Easements

The Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System, described in Section 4.1, has proposed and is advocating for an expansion upstream to the Brazeau Reservoir and the proposed Brazeau Node. Such an expansion would give added protection to provincial public land along the North Saskatchewan River for recreation and conservation purposes. Brazeau County has supported this proposal since inception, and should continue to promote the expansion as opportunity arises. Support for a Park System expansion also occurred in the open-ended question of our survey. Furthermore, environmental protection and conservation is the top investment priority for Provincial Parks for Albertans (Praxis 2008) (http://www.albertaparks.ca/media/3239/Praxis%20Report%20Final.pdf).

As mentioned previously, approximately the west half of Brazeau County is made up of provincial public land, and the east half is primarily private land with the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System running along the North Saskatchewan River. There are also several parcels of provincial public land on the east side of Brazeau County, most of which are leased, some of which have Natural Area designations, and the occasional parcel that is vacant public land. Brazeau County should consider a program to review all vacant provincial public land to identify areas of substantial recreation potential and work to preserve and promote the recreation opportunities. For example, the public land immediately north of the Brazeau County building and where Pih-To-Kwe Campground is located could be considered for trail system development; potentially as part of the semi-urban trail system outlined in Figure (Semi-Urban Trails).

Brazeau County and/or recreation partners could also play a larger role in the management of the Natural Areas. Alberta Parks promotes a program to establish individuals, non-profit organizations or municipalities as Stewards of natural areas. In addition to visiting the site and monitoring use and natural conditions, Stewards can provide input into the planning and management of sites. In this position, Brazeau County could make recommendations to Alberta Parks regarding beneficial recreational facility developments, including connections to rural trail systems (Section 5.1.2). Promoting these Natural Areas as recreational opportunities should be part of the Tourism and Outreach program undertaken by the Tourism Authority.

Photo: Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council

5.2.2 Reserve and easement program

Options Review and augment the list of proposed priority municipal and environmental reserves provided in the Recreation Master Plan. Review the list of deferred reserve caveats to identify desired recreation corridors and facility sites. Using Strathcona County and the Beaver Hills Initiative as an example, define process for identifying and choosing priority sites for municipal and environmental reserves provided, and to establish easements and reserves for environmentally sensitive areas and recreation corridors on private land. Develop a streamlined process to establish and administer conservation easements. o Establish Brazeau County as a Qualified Organization to administer easements and manage them through a partnership with the EPBR Parks Council, OR o Establish a Land Trust to administer and manage the conservation easements; could still involve a partnership between Brazeau County and Parks Council. Ensure appropriate policies are incorporated into the Land Use Bylaw to facilitate establishment of easements or reserves on land with key recreation potential. Use proposed easement / reserve by landowner of SW and SE 19-49-7 W5M as a case study to test and refine process

5.2.2.1 Municipal and Environmental Reserves

Brazeau County is authorized under the Municipal Government Act to require a landowner to give a portion of their land to themselves or a school authority, or the cash equivalent of that land, for a public reserve. Where and when reserve land is not considered necessary, but may be required in the future, the establishment of the reserve can be deterred through a caveat (Deferred Reserve Caveat). This Caveat is filed against the remainder of the subject lands or other lands owned by the same landowner. The regulations governing the dedication of reserve land or money in place of reserve land in Brazeau County are outlined in Policy PD-8. Since this policy was established in 1993, the County has been acquiring lands, cash in lieu, or dedicating Deferred Reserve Caveats for recreation and education purposes.

When a Public Reserve is established by Brazeau County in accordance with the Public Reserve Policy, the reserve can be dedicated as municipal reserve, a school reserve, a municipal and school reserve, or an environmental reserve (Policy PD-7). Municipal reserves, school reserves, and municipal and school reserves are established for recreational and educational purposes. Environmental Funds collected in lieu of establishing public reserves must be dedicated to recreational and education uses, which mainly consists of public parks, public recreation areas, school purposes and to separate areas of land that are used for different purposes. Use of these funds is subject to the specific approval of council.

Environmental reserves are used to provide protection to environmentally sensitive lands from future development; they are retained in their natural state, or used only for park purposes. Under the appropriate circumstances, Environmental Reserves can be established to conserve and protect minor waterbodies, natural drainage courses, floodplains, shorelands, valleys, steep slopes or unstable slopes. The Environmental Reserve Policy (PD-7) provides guidelines for Council in making decisions regarding environmental reserve dedication. Council recommends that environmental reserves encompass those lands necessary to conserve and protect the environmentally sensitive area, and to provide public access to the area. Council may also recommend an environmental reserve setback, usually 10 m in average width, to ensure protection of the environmentally sensitive area.

The Department of Planning and Development indicated that the Open Spaces and Recreation Master Plan would be very helpful by providing a plan for priority locations for future public reserve establishment, guidelines as to the types of recreation that could/should occur in these reserves, and the spatial arrangement of parcels that would best complement these activities. No database is available fully describing the location and extent of these reserves and/or caveats; however, most of the significant County-owned parcels were described in a GIS database used for planning purposes in this plan. The existence of Deferred Reserve Caveats is determined through a review of land titles, and has not been reviewed to inform recreation facility planning in this plan. Moving forward, the establishment of municipal and/or environmental reserves will be important tools for connecting green space to create recreation corridors. These can be sites to establish priority recreation facilities identified through public consultation, such as hiking and walking trails.

5.2.2.2 Conservation Easements and EcoGifts

Conservation easements are a type of conservation tool that is governed by sections 22-24 of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA). Conservation easements are a voluntary agreement entered into by a landowner and the qualified organization to hold the easement for the purpose of protecting and conserving the natural values of land for any of the purposes set out in the EPEA. These purposes include protection and conservation of the environment, protection and conservation of natural scenic or esthetic values, or providing for land uses such as recreational land use, open space use, environmental education, or for research and scientific study of natural ecosystems. The land remains the property of the landowner, but the conditions set out in the easement will regulate if and how that land can be developed. Landowners donating a conservation easement to a qualified organization can qualify for an income tax credit.

Qualified organizations to hold conservation easements are governed by the EPEA, and can be the provincial government or a provincial government agency, a local authority such as a municipality, or a registered charity that is formed to hold conservation land interests. Qualified organizations create and carry out management plans for easements, and undertake certain obligations set out in the agreement, such as ecological monitoring or posting signs. Brazeau County is considered a qualified organization.

EcoGifts are similar to Conservation Easements; however the donated land or donated interest in the last must be certified as “ecologically sensitive” by Environment Canada. The ecological gift must be made to a “qualified recipient” approved by Environment Canada or another government authority, such as environmental charities. Individuals donating an ecological gift qualify for a charitable donation tax credit, and corporations qualify for a charitable donation tax deduction.

Conservation easements and/or ecological gifts could be useful tools to link existing or proposed recreational and green space corridors, especially along environmentally sensitive areas such as waterbodies. Easements could be established to allow recreational development and use of green space corridors, while ensuring a certain level of ecological health. Tax credits associated with the EcoGifts or conservation easements would provide added incentives to landowners to consider contributing land for recreation and green space purposes.

Conservation Easement and EcoGift Program Recommendation

The process to acquire access to green space for connecting County trail systems should involve a combination of existing reserves, County-owned land, provincial crown land, and establishing new municipal reserves, conservation easements and ecological gifts. Proposed Green Space Corridors for paved walking and cycling trails are illustrated in Map 9. These trails make the most possible use of land already owned by the County and province, proposed recreational corridors being discussed at the planning and development level, and existing recreational trails. What remains is to focus on the connecting parcels, where conservation easements or ecological gifts may be useful tools.

Using other municipality programs as examples, Brazeau County, or the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council on behalf of Brazeau County, should develop a conservation easement and EcoGifts program to support landowners in donating land or their interest in land. A clear process for establishing easements or EcoGifts should be developed, including guidelines describing when a parcel of land is likely to be considered “ecologically sensitive”. Brazeau County should consider whether they want to become a qualified organization to manage conservation easements, or whether they would like to establish a land trust to manage the easements and EcoGifts. A partnership between Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council and Brazeau County should be explored where the Parks Council manages the easements on behalf of the County.

Once a County program is established to support the establishment of easements and EcoGifts, the primary landowners on connecting parcels along the recreation and green space corridors should be approached initially for their interest in participating in the conservation easement program; but of course, participation is voluntary. Key landowners in locations that meet the guidelines for “ecologically sensitive” could be approached for interest in the EcoGifts program, and future, key recreational facilities could be considered for these sites, as long as the fall in the guidelines of the EcoGift program.

5.2.3 Volunteer private lands stewardship and access program

Voluntary stewardship of private lands may be the most significant activity contributing to the conservation of our natural environment; and as Aldo Leopold first observed in Conservation Economics (1934): "Conservation will ultimately boil down to rewarding the private landowner who conserves the public interest.” By engaging the community and enhancing their capacity to restore and maintain critical watershed features and functions on private land, Brazeau County can contribute to maintaining water quality and improving watershed resiliency along the North Saskatchewan and Pembina Rivers. This program would involve identifying existing tools and developing new tools to facilitate conservation and stewardship on private land, such as through conservation easements and the Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) program. Brazeau County would need to refine the process for implementing the conservation tools and stewardship support programs, and for educating, engaging, and increasing capacity of interested landowners. Parkland County has an established program for supporting private land conservation and participates in ALUS, and may be a good mode and support for initiating this program.

5.2.4 Tourism, marketing, and outreach program

Highlights Respondents of our survey indicated that the top two barriers to participating in recreational activities in Brazeau County were that a) respondents are unaware of the facilities available, and b) the location of facilities is unknown. With all the wonderful existing and proposed facilities available for the community and visiting public to enjoy, Brazeau County should continue to improve on promoting tourism and related information outreach for the region.

Options Develop a high quality, current map of recreation opportunities in Brazeau County with additional information contact URLs and phone numbers: o If detailed trail information cannot be included in this overarching county map, specific facility or area trail/route maps should be developed and made available for every facility and/or route (e.g. Brazeau Reservoir Campgrounds and Trails, Pembina River paddling/floating route); Provide support and/or grant opportunities to Non-Profit Recreation Organizations and local private tourism destinations in developing current, high-quality tourism materials and an online presence; Ensure working links to these destination and organization websites are provided on the Brazeau Regional Tourism Website (or new website if one is developed), as well as through printed materials circulated by the County and Town of Drayton Valley / Regional Tourism Authority; Obtain all current trail maps, brochures, and information packages relating to recreation opportunities and organizations in Brazeau County, and make this information available online and in hard copy at a Tourism Information Centre; Develop and install informative and consistent highway and road signage for all recreation destinations.

Respondents of our survey indicated that the top two barriers to participating in recreational activities in Brazeau County were that a) respondents are unaware of the facilities available, and b) the location of facilities is unknown. Both of these barriers can be addressed through focussed tourism, marketing and outreach programs.

With all of these wonderful existing and proposed facilities available for the community and visiting public to enjoy, Brazeau County should continue to improve on promoting tourism and related information outreach for the region. Information outreach already occurs in several forms, including websites, social media, printed materials (newsletter, brochure), and the local media channels of the Western Review Newspaper and Big West Country Radio Station. An important next step is to update the content provided through many of these outreach methods to ensure that it is as current and comprehensive as possible. Improved highway and road signage and a current, high quality recreation map would assist first-time visitors in locating facilities and signage at facilities and on trail systems would help to make them more user friendly. Consultations with recreational organizations and clubs indicated that support from Brazeau County in developing outreach materials and an online presence would greatly assist their operations.

A Tourism Information Centre is needed as a centralized hub for visitors and residents to obtain any and all detailed information on recreation opportunities in Brazeau County. This centre could occur in the form of a new building dedicated to this purpose, an existing or proposed building that also includes other services, or solely through an online presence of websites and databases. At this time, the political and public opinion is not clear on this subject, and therefore it is beyond the scope of this Plan to recommend the form of Tourism Information Centre. A decision should be made and a plan for achieving this centre should be developed.

5.2.5 Policies and by-laws (new and amendments)

Highlights A pending review of the Land Use Bylaw by Brazeau County provides opportunity to consider policies that would encourage stronger direction and higher standards for outdoor recreational planning and development.

Options Review of all policy relevant to recreation and open spaces to ensure consistency with the management intentions of Brazeau County for realizing recreation potential. For examples: o Develop a trails and recreational infrastructure policy with design standards for paved and unpaved trails that would apply to all County-owned lands and others who wish to receive County support for trail construction and maintenance. o Update the Land Use Bylaw to limit incompatible land uses near established and priority recreation and conservation areas. o Update the Land Use Bylaw to include landscaping requirements that reduce aesthetic interruptions adjacent to established and priority recreation and conservation areas. o Update the Land Use Bylaw to provide a vegetation buffer between resource extraction activities and watercourse to preserve water quality and maintain the recreation experience on river routes. o Obtain supporting studies and documentation to inform the application of the amended policies and bylaws (e.g. environmentally significant areas). o Amend Policy 49 of the MDP to encourage and support more integration between resource development and outdoor recreation; Policy 67 to make 50 m setback more prescriptive. o Ensure conformity between Area Structure Plans and higher level planning documents such as Municipal Development Plan and Inter-municipal Development Plan. o Bylaw 680-09: update to include a classification of park space. o Bylaw 693-09: update to support/encourage ATV tourism potential. o Policy FIN-7: update to ensure specific support opportunities to outdoor recreation groups. o GEN-3: update to support the benefit MRs can play in trail linkages. o PD-1: update to support outdoor recreation for Hamlets.

A pending review of the Land Use Bylaw by Brazeau County provides a good opportunity to consider policies that would encourage stronger directions and higher standards for outdoor recreational planning and development, and to protect parks and established recreation hubs, with a buffer, for higher quality recreation and conservation use. Supporting studies, such as an Environmental Significant Areas Study, would help to inform such policy to relevant areas. Furthermore, recommendations related to municipal and environmental reserves, conservation

easements, eco-gifts, and landowner support programs will require supporting policy. The Land Use Bylaw and related policy reviews should take full advantage of this Plan to ensure updates reflect the County’s intent to realize the recreation potential of this municipality.

6. The Master Plan: Ten-, four- & one-year implementation options

This section summarizes the conceptual options presented throughout the Master Plan, and provides options for a ten-year, four-year and one-year implementation period on a priority basis. The costs are considered notional until more detailed planning is underway. It is important to note that this Master Plan should be a “living plan” in that it should be regularly reviewed and updated as new options arise or old options are rejected, as funding opportunities arise and disappear, and as County and partners priorities change. The costs outlined below are not full costs for all individual items, as they only include costs assumed to be under the potential purview of either or both of Brazeau County and the Town of Drayton Valley. Other partners such as the private and philanthropic sectors (Rotary Club) and provincial agencies (e.g., Alberta Parks) could very well have role in investing in delivery of all options that are presented in this plan. 6.1 Summary of ten-year options and County costs

Table 3 summarizes the options and general delivery implication of the options outlined in previous sections of this plan. The notional ten-year cost is estimated to be $6,105,000 or an average of $610,500 per year (note that expenditures will vary year by year) (Table 4).

Table 3. Summary of options and delivery implications (additional detail is provided in Appendix E).

Delivery Implications

Options for trails and facilities Trail systems for - Increase / dedicate recreation planning and management capacity in Brazeau County (Planning and pedestrian and Development, Community Services) and/or through partnerships (e.g. Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks cycling use Council) (including Inter- - Dedicate funds for construction and maintenance of trails and explore alternative funding mechanisms (e.g. municipal ATV partnerships with corporations). Trail System) Family-oriented - Brazeau County to encourage Alberta Parks to: Multi-use . Increase recreation planning involvement in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area, and/or Recreation Area . Provide funding support to Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council in meeting the recreation needs of in Blue Rapids the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System - Brazeau County to support the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council in applying for grants and corporate support for recreation planning and construction in the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System (e.g. provide letters of support). - Provide in-kind contributions of equipment and man hours to support the planning and construction of

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various trail systems (ATV, horse, bicycle, walking) and day use areas. Campgrounds and . Increase / dedicate recreation planning capacity in Brazeau County (Planning and Development, Camping Community Services) and/or through partnerships ( Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council) and work with Alberta Parks, AESRD, sand and gravel operators, Community Hall Associations, Campground Owners and Operators, Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council, not-for-profit recreational groups, Rotary Club) - Dedicate capital to the construction of campgrounds and campsites in order of priority, likely starting with the road improvement to the 494 Campground; confirmed Rotary Club funding is contingent on Brazeau County also contributing funds. - Explore alternative funding models for capital construction (e.g. sponsorship and naming rights for corporations). - Provide grant opportunities to Community Hall Associations to conduct capital planning or construction projects to improve recreational capacity associated with Community Halls, and/or provide administrative support to Community Hall Associations in applying for grants outside of Brazeau County to increase recreational capacity associated with Community Halls. Picnic and Day - Brazeau County to (Barrymore Bridge, City Service Bridge and Farmers Picnic Area): Use Areas . Hire sufficient seasonal staff or seasonal staff supervisors to conduct maintenance at day use areas. . Purchase and install infrastructure to formalize day use areas (picnic tables, bear-proof garbage cans, out-house facilities, fire rings). . Fund site upgrades to formalize day use areas (ie. gravel pads for parking) - Brazeau County to (Buck Creek Site): . Support Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council in making a formal proposal to Arc Resources. . Encourage Alberta Parks to provide Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council with financial support for recreation planning in the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System. Paddle boating - Fund and contract the development of high quality tourism outreach materials. - Fund and contract the development and installation of consistent signage for recreational facilities. - Fund upgrades and maintenance to picnic / day use areas (see Picnic / Day use areas above). Boating - Plan, acquire easement and construct, through partnerships, boat launch on private/public lands near (motorized) Drayton Valley. - Provide in-kind contributions of equipment and man hours to support the planning and construction boat launches. - Contribute funds required for construction of boat launches, and explore alternative funding models. Floating - Contribute funds towards Regional Tourism Authority who will likely be responsible for these deliverables. Parks, Natural - Increase / dedicate recreation planning and management capacity in Brazeau County (Planning and Areas and Vacant Development, Community Services) and/or through partnerships (e.g. Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Public Lands Council) - Dedicate funds for construction and of recreation facilities and explore alternative funding mechanisms (e.g. partnerships with corporations, AESRD, Alberta Parks). Options for land acquisition, easements stewardship Municipal - Increase / dedicate recreation planning and management capacity in Brazeau County (Planning and Reserves, Development, Community Services) and/or through partnerships (e.g. Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Environmental Council) Reserves - Dedicate funds for construction and of recreation facilities and explore alternative funding mechanisms (e.g. partnerships with corporations). EcoGifts and - Increase / dedicate recreation planning and management capacity in Brazeau County (Planning and Conservation Development, Community Services) and/or through partnerships (e.g. Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Easements Council) - Dedicate funds for construction and of recreation facilities and explore alternative funding mechanisms (e.g. partnerships with corporations). Options for policies and bylaws amendments Policies and by- - Consider focussed effort in County Administration to develop policy amendment that focus on outdoor laws (new and recreation and open spaces management. amendments) - Support Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council’s grant application to AESRD for funding to conduct environmentally significant areas and other important studies (e.g. ASAP communication to AESRD Minister). - Consult recreation and conservation organizations in development of policy amendments. Options for Tourism and Information Outreach

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Tourism and - Dedicate funding and human resources to the Regional Tourism Authority to support achievement of Information various deliverables. Outreach

Table 4. Summary of notional County costs over ten years to implement the Master Plan.

$ in 10 Item years Brazeau Node 600,000 Rural-Urban Trail Systems for pedestrian and cycling use 300,000 Cross-County ATV Trail System 300,000 Family-oriented multi-use Recreation Area 175,000 Campgrounds and Camping 2,000,000 Picnic and Day Use Areas 200,000 Boating (paddle, motorized, floating) 50,000 Community trout pond and pheasant/turkey release 150,000 Parks, Natural Areas and Vacant Public Lands 600,000 Land assembly, easements, stewardship program focus 300,000 Water-based recreation program focus 300,000 Intensify community development efforts 600,000

Tourism, marketing, communications, signage and outreach program focus (these costs may be covered by the proposed Tourism Authority) 500,000

Environmentally Significant Areas Inventory 30,000 Total 6,105,000 Average costs per year 610,500

New and amended County Policies/Bylaws: costs assumed to be in existing and projected County Administration budgets.

6.2 Summary of County costs to implement four-year priority options

Table 5 summarizes the options and general delivery implication of the options outlined in previous sections of this plan. The ten-year cost is estimated to be $6,105,000 or an average of

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$610,500 per year. The first four year cost is estimated to be $3,680,000 ($2,360,000 for capital expenditures and $1,320,000 for operational expenditures) or an average of $920,000 per year.

Table 5. Summary of notional County costs over four years to implement the Master Plan.

4-year Operational 4-year (maintenance and Total Average $$$/Year Capital planning)

Brazeau Node 150,000 100,000 250,000 62,500 Rural-Urban Trail Systems for pedestrian and cycling use 185,000 45,000 230,000 57,500 Cross-County ATV Trail System 75,000 75,000 150,000 37,500 Family-oriented multi-use Recreation Area 70,000 50,000 120,000 30,000 Campgrounds and Camping 1,500,000 100,000 1,600,000 400,000 Picnic and Day Use Areas 85,000 25,000 110,000 27,500 Boating (paddle, motorized, floating) 45,000 5,000 50,000 12,500 Community trout pond and pheasant/turkey release 100,000 10,000 110,000 27,500 Parks, Natural Areas and Vacant Public Lands 150,000 90,000 240,000 60,000 Land assembly, easements, stewardship program focus 175,000 175,000 43,750 Water-based recreation and watershed resiliency program focus 175,000 175,000 43,750

Intensify community development efforts 240,000 240,000 60,000

Tourism, marketing, communications, signage and outreach program focus (these costs may be covered by the proposed Tourism Authority) 200,000 200,000 50,000

Environmentally Significant Areas Inventory 30,000 30,000 7,500

Total 2,360,000 1,320,000 3,680,000 920,000

Average costs per year 590,000 330,000 920,000 230,000

New and amended County Policies/Bylaws: costs assumed to be in existing and projected County Administration budgets.

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6.3 Summary of County costs to implement one-year priority options

For the first year, $725,000 ($430,000 for capital expenditures and $295,000 for operational expenditures) (Table 6).

Table 6. Summary of notional County costs over the first year to implement the Master Plan. Capital Costs Sub-project Costs Notes

Brazeau node Depends on timing of approvals from TranAlta 50,000 and ESRD to move forward Budget implications possible for 2015/16 but estimates could vary/change quickly

Many costs likely to come under purview of proposed Tourism Authority Campgrounds For road portion of project supporting EPBR Parks Council $720,000 project for Rotary 250,000 Riverside primitive campsite Day use facilities Gravel pad $10,400; 3 fire-pits 1,200; bear-proof garbage $1,200; 3 picnic tables $1,200; outhouse Berrymore Bridge 24,000 $10,000 Gravel pads $13,800; 2 fire-pits $600; bear-proof garbage $1,200; 2 picnic tables $400; outhouse City Service Bridge 26,000 $10,000 Gravel pad $8,000; 1 fire-pit $400, 1 picnic table Farmers Picnic Area 10,000 $400, 1 garbage $1,200 Trails Drayton and surroundings 45,000 Boat launch 25,000 Sub-total 430,000

Planning/Operational Costs Facilities and trail planning 1.5 FTEs needed for planning and easement negotiations for: ATV trails with cross-counties connections and urban trail system; access to boat launch; planning for community turkey/pheasant pasture and community trout 150,000 pond Facilities and trail maintenance 25,000 0.25 FTE for maintenance of 6 day-use facilities Planning for recreation and open space Land assembly, easements, stewardship program focus 30,000 0.5 FTE

Environmentally Significant Areas Inventory 30,000 Cost-share Community organizational support 60,000 Sub-total 295,000

Total 725,000

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Glossary

ATV: all-terrain vehicle; a vehicle with tires designed for rough terrain. Ex. Quad.

Caveat: a registerable document that serves as a notice or caution that a person or persons, other than the landowner, have an interest in a parcel of land

Conservation Easement: a voluntary agreement entered into by a landowner and the qualified organization to hold the easement for the purpose of protecting and conserving the natural values of land for any of the purposes set out in the EPEA (Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act); in a conservation easement, the landowner retains the title to their land and is free to sell the property, but the easement binds future landowners to the land use restrictions outline in the easement.

Crown Land: also called public land; land under the administration and control of the Minister

Day-use/picnic area: areas used by the public for day-long recreational activities, but not for the main purpose of overnight camping

Family-oriented ATV areas: refers to areas indentified for trail use by ATVs that are conducive to families with children, providing such use of these areas is compliant with Alberta laws and manufacturers’ recommendations and warnings. (See information available at: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/Content/docType41/Production/small_vehicle_booklet_final.pdf)

EcoGift: donated lands that must be certified as “ecologically sensitive” by Environment Canada; the ecological gift must be made to a “qualified recipient” approved by Environment Canada or another government authority, such as environmental charities

Ecological Reserves: areas that preserve and protect natural heritage in an undisturbed state for scientific research and education

Environmental reserve: natural lands that are to remain in their natural state or to be used as a public park and are registered against the title of the land or a dedication to the land

Environmentally significant areas (ESAs): areas that contain rare biological or natural elements or areas that contain elements that require special management consideration due to their conservation needs

Natural Areas: provincially protected area land that has been set aside to support a wide variety of recreational activities.

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Natural regions or subregions: areas that are defined geographically on the basis of landscape patterns, as well as vegetation, soils and physiographic features

Random camping: camping in a location with no established facilities

RV: recreational vehicle; motor vehicles used for leisure activities such as camping

Staging area: stopping or unloading place on route to a recreational activity MOU: Memorandum of Understanding; a formal agreement between two or more parties to establish an official partnership

Wilderness Areas: areas that preserve and protect natural heritage while providing opportunities for non-consumptive, nature-based outdoor recreation

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Appendix A. Outdoor recreation activities and open spaces trends

The Alberta Recreational Survey 201310 provides information on the Public Opinion Survey on Recreation, which was developed in 1981 to determine participation patterns of Albertans and the factors which influence their recreation activity choices. Every four years, Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation conducts the Alberta Recreation Survey. The 2013 survey was a collaborative effort between Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation and the Cities of Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge. Findings from the survey are used to assess trends on a longitudinal basis, forecast future demand, and aid the recreation sector in targeting and marketing its services. The survey concluded:

The top ten activities participated by Albertans include these:

Walking for pleasure 84.4% Bicycling 50.7% Aerobics/ fitness 47.0% Swimming/ aquafitness (in pools) 41.1% Swimming (lakes, rivers, ponds) 36.3% Gardening 67.3% Day hiking 41.1% Golf (other than driving range or mini golf) 39.7% Overnight camping 34.0% Fishing 26.3%

The top ten favourite activities of Albertans are:

Walking – 12.9% Golf – 8.7% Camping – 8.0% Bicycling – 4.7%

10 Alberta Government Report March 2014 http://www.tpr.alberta.ca/recreation/resources/research-analytics/recreation-survey/recreation-survey-results/pdf/AB-Rec-2013- ReportFinal.pdf 107

Reading – 3.6% Hiking – 3.3% Fishing – 3.0% Gardening – 2.9% Swimming – 2.8% Jogging/running – 2.4%

The location for first favourite activity is Parks or Outdoor Spaces.

The results of this survey are similar to the previous survey in 2008, with the major exception that bicycling has recently gained in popularity.

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A previous recreational survey for Brazeau County reported that (based on information provided by 338 households):11

Natural areas – 82% of respondents reported visiting a natural area in the County. Over half reported visiting a natural area at least a few times a year. Approximately 5% of respondents reported being dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the natural area(s) they visited. Walking trails – Just under 50% of respondents indicated that they used walking trails in the County with 16% reporting that they used walking trails every week or almost every day. Approximately 99% of respondents using walking trails indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied. Equestrian facilities – 20% of respondents reported using equestrian trails, with only 3% of users indicating that they were dissatisfied. Approximately 2% reported using trails every month, 12% reported using trails a few times a year, and 6% reported using trails once a year or less. Developed motorized trails - 36% of respondents reported using ATV or snowmobile trails. Approximately 6% used trails every month or every week, approximately 23% used trails a few times a year and approximately 7% used trails once a year or less. Survey results show that user satisfaction with trails is high with only 6% of respondents indicating that they were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. Day-use Facilities – Approximately 60% of respondents reported that their household used day-use facilities with the majority, 45%, using facilities a few times a year. 99% of respondents reported that they were satisfied with facilities. Campgrounds – Approximately 70% of respondents reported that their household used campgrounds with approximately 50% using facilities a few time each year and approximately 6% using facilities at least once a month. Less than 1% of respondents reported being dissatisfied with campgrounds. Random use activities – 54% of respondents indicated that they engage in random use activities in undeveloped areas of the County with one-third of respondents indicating that they do so at least a few times each year. Additional recreation opportunities – 25% of respondents indicated that there is a need for additional outdoor facilities in the County with additional ATV and walking trails being the most frequently suggested.

Also of interest is the comparison of the survey results from the 2008 Alberta Recreation Survey and the recreation survey completed for the earlier plan Brazeau County Parks and Recreation Master Plan which indicates that some outdoor recreation activities are particularly popular in Brazeau County:12

ATV riding – 36% of survey respondents in Brazeau County reported that they used ATV or snowmobile trails compared to only 15% of provincial respondents.

11 O2 Planning and Design Ltd. 2010. Recreation Needs Assessment: Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. 12 O2 Planning and Design Ltd. 2010. Recreation Needs Assessment: Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. 109

Overnight camping - 50% of surveyed households in Brazeau County reported that they used campgrounds a few times a year whereas 40% of provincial respondents reported that their household took part in overnight camping in the past year. Equestrian riding - 12% of individuals surveyed in Brazeau County reported that they used equestrian facilities a few times a year, whereas 8% of provincial respondents reported having gone horseback riding in the past year.

Other recent Alberta and US surveys provide information useful for planning outdoor recreation areas and open spaces. For examples:

The 2013 Alberta Survey on Physical Activity13 reports that: o Although 94% of Albertans agree that physical activity will keep them healthy, only 59% of adult Albertans are physically active enough to gain health benefits. o About 74% of adult Albertans do some walking for leisure, transportation or work, but not enough to reach a moderate level of physical activity.

13 Alberta Survey on Physical Activity: A Concise Report http://www.centre4activeliving.ca/media/filer_public/d6/57/d6579c21-413e-4da0-8aa1-9d92f3ff56d8/2013-ab-survey-physical- activity-report.pdf 110

o Most Albertans (89%) agree that physical activity will reduce their chances of getting serious health problems. o This report offers recommendations that focus on promoting physical activity at work, ways to encourage older adults to be physically active, and strategies to increase walking time by Albertans of all ages. The 2014 US report on outdoor recreation participation (Outdoor Recreation Foundation)14 found that: o In 2013, a record number of Americans — 142.6 million — participated in at least one outdoor activity and collectively, went on 12.1 billion outdoor outings. o Although the number of participants rose, the percentage of participants fell slightly from 49.4 percent in 2012 to 49.2 percent in 2013, due to population increase. o Compared to 2012, participation in outdoor activities increased or remained flat among all age groups, with the exception of those ages 25 to 44 and 45 and over. where participation dropped by one percentage point among those age groups. o Outdoor participation among youth and young adults showed promise. Participation among adolescents ages 13 to 17 levelled off, while participation among children ages six to 12 and young adults ages 18 to 24 made modest gains. Together, the youngest generation got out to enjoy an outdoor activity almost five billion times with an annual average of 99 outdoor outings. That compares to the 77 annual outings participants ages 25 and up took in 2013. o The most popular activities among young people, in terms of overall participation, continued to be running, biking, fishing, camping and hiking. Running, biking and skateboarding were among their top five favorite activities as measured by frequency. Adults reported similar favorite outdoor pursuits. The American Recreation Coalition’s report on outdoor recreation outlook for 201115 reported: o Outdoor recreation is a large and varied force in the leisure choices of the American public. o Generating more than $400 billion in annual spending, outdoor recreation is shaped by America’s public lands and waters – which cover one-third of the surface of the nation. o The outdoor recreation industry is dominated by small, responsive businesses providing a remarkable variety of recreation products and services: campsites and marinas; fishing-guide services and white water rafting trips; world class skiing and mountain bikes. o Technology is also a friend of outdoor recreation, with lighter and stronger skis and bikes and new electronic devices, like hand-held GPS units and digital cameras, adding to the fun of the outdoors. o The snowmobile industry forecasts an increase in snowmobiling activity this winter over last year (2011 versus 2010). A substantial number of the non- snowmobiling population are very interested in snowmobiling and, in particular,

14 Outdoor Recreation Foundation. 2014. Outdoor Recreation Participation Top Line Report. http://www.outdoorfoundation.org/research.participation.2014.topline.html 15 Outdoor Recreation Outlook 2011. Prepared for the U.S. Travel Association 2011 Marketing Outlook Forum. http://www.funoutdoors.com/files/Outdoor%20Recreation%20Trends%202011.pdf 111

the millennials (Y-Generation) now entering the market express a very high level of interest. o Recent research by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association found that 78 percent of current RVers are planning to use their RVs as often or more than last year, up 6 percent. Sales of RVs are being buoyed by the introduction of eco- friendly new RVs that incorporate green technologies and are smaller, lighter, more aerodynamic and more fuel efficient. In addition, for 2011, the forecast was that RV shipments will increase 8.2 percent over 2010. o 2011 is expected to be an exciting year for recreational boating, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Reasons include new innovations in boat design, efficiency and technologies and boaters’ passion for the water. o For adventure sports, shorter day trips near metro areas or destination attractions are enjoying high demand with some companies reporting record performance. o Recreational fishing has been flagged as one of the top “gateway” activities for getting people involved in outdoor recreation.

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Appendix B. The relationship of this Master Plan to other County documents

The following table illustrates the relationship between the Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan and federal and provincial legislation, existing plans and policies and identifies some of the many different processes that influence the development and implementation of this Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan.

Table 1 - Appendix B. Relationship between the Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan and federal, provincial and municipal legislation, existing plans and policies.

Type of Bylaw or Policy Relevant Acts/Policies . Federal Legislation . Provincial Legislation . Municipal Government Act . Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA) . North Saskatchewan Regional Plan . Brazeau County Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) County Wide: . Brazeau County Municipal Development Plan (MDP) . Partnership-based . Joint Use Agreements (Transportation, Recreation, Fire Services) . Multiple policy functions . Brazeau County Strategic and Operational Documents . Strategic Plan (2014-2018) . Integrated Community Sustainability Plan . Marketing Strategy - Brazeau County / Town of Drayton Valley - July 2013 - Vibe Consulting . Communication Plan (2014) . Recreation and Open Space Master Plan: . Bylaws . Governing the Acquisition of Land for Park Purposes . Authorize the Execution of a cost sharing agreement with Drayton

Valley . Parks Control Bylaw County Wide: . Off Highway Vehicles On Highways, Right-Of-Ways and Municipal . Specific to an issue or aspect Property In Brazeau County of Outdoor Recreation and . Policies Open Space Management . Community Organization Funding . County Owned Lands . Community Hall Closures . Municipal Reserve Development - Hamlets . Environmental Reserve

f plans and processes and f plans . Public Reserve . Municipal Reserve Development Agreement Policies for Broad Geographic Areas . Area Structure Plans Configuration of open space in a . Area Structure Plans specific areas (implementation) . Subdivision Plans . Land Use Bylaw Implementation of policy through . Design & Construction Approvals process development of specific site or . Development Agreements

project . Concept Plans for Projects Increasing in detail o detail in Increasing

The next several sections provide additional information on how the Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan is linked to existing statutory Provincial and Municipal legislation.

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Municipal Government Act (MGA) The Municipal Government Act (MGA) is the principal document that governs how municipalities operate. Since the consolidation of the Planning Act into the MGA in 1994, under Part 17 municipalities are given the authority for municipal planning, subdivision and development controls including the ability to adopt plans, bylaws and make planning decisions to the benefit of the municipality. All plans, policies and bylaws adopted by a municipality, including the Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan, must conform to the Municipal Government Act.

Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA)

The legal basis for regional land-use planning in Alberta was established in October, 2009 with the proclamation of the Alberta Land Stewardship Act (ALSA). The purposes of the ALSA are:

a. to provide a means by which the Government can give direction and provide leadership in identifying the objectives of the Province of Alberta, including economic, environmental and social objectives; b. to provide a means to plan for the future, recognizing the need to manage activity to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of current and future generations of Albertans, including aboriginal peoples; c. to provide for the co-ordination of decisions by decision-makers concerning land, species, human settlement, natural resources and the environment; d. to create legislation and policy that enable sustainable development by taking account of and responding to the cumulative effect of human endeavour and other events.

Along with creating new planning regions, the ALSA (under sections 20-22) also requires that all municipalities, review existing statutory plans, municipal development plans, area structure plans, land use bylaws, policies and procedures and file a declaration that they are in compliance with the regional plan. In addition, Section 630.2 of the Municipal Government Act makes it mandatory that all land-use, policy or planning decisions made by a municipality must be in compliance of the ALSA regional plans.

Under Part 3 of the ALSA, there is an increased focus towards conservation and stewardship opportunities including providing funding to support conservation, environmental and agricultural values (Section 25) and the provision of providing tax-based measures, and initiatives to assist private landowners in deciding to conserve portions of their property (Section 27). Additional information and proposed recommendations regarding these tools are provided in later in this document.

North Saskatchewan Regional Plan (NSRP)

Although the North Saskatchewan Regional Plan is currently being developed, Brazeau County has participated and provided feedback in a number of the public consultation processes that will ultimately shape the regional plan. It is anticipated that once the North Saskatchewan Regional

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Plan has been adopted, minor edits or revisions may be required to this document to ensure consistency and compliance.

Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) [growth management plan]

Adopted January 17, 2012, requires review by January 17, 2017(see Map Appendix B1)

An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) is a long range planning document created by two or more neighbouring municipalities to determine future growth and land use in bordering areas and contains procedures to resolve any conflict between the municipalities that have adopted the plan, procedures to amend or repeal the plan and provisions relating to the administration of the plan. Brazeau County and the Town of Drayton Valley formally adopted an Intermunicipal Development Plan on January 17, 2012 for the area surrounding the Town as a result of the November 15, 2010 Annexation Settlement Agreement. In total, eight guiding principles were agreed to by both municipalities and applied in preparing the policies contained in the Intermunicipal Development Plan, the relevant principals and how they apply to the Recreation Open Spaces Master Plan are included below:

Cooperate in the protection of the North Saskatchewan River and tributary streams located in both municipalities. Ensure proper measures are taken to protect the integrity of the natural environment in considering new development that may result in contamination and hazardous conditions.

Additional recommendations were made to have Brazeau County amend both the Riverview and Popular Ridge Area Structure Plans and develop additional area Structure Plans for the North East and North West areas as shown in (see Map Appendix B2).

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Map Appendix B1. Future Land Use Concept from the Intermunicipal Development Plan.

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Map Appendix B2. Existing and future Area Structure Plans.

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Municipal Development Plan (MDP)

Adopted November 15, 2011, requires review every 5 years, or when requested by County Council

The Municipal Government Act states that all municipalities with a population of 3,500 or greater must adopt a Municipal Development Plan (MDP). An MDP is a long range planning document that determines the future land use of the municipality. The municipal development plan must address, at a minimum:

land use, the manner for future development, local transportation systems, the provision of municipal services and facilities, policies respecting municipal and municipal school reserve, the protection of agricultural operations, and the coordination of land use, infrastructure and growth patterns with adjacent municipalities. In addition to the requirements of the Municipal Government Act, the Brazeau County Municipal Development Plan will also address matters of local significance and importance, as identified by County Council, residents, staff and other stakeholders. - Brazeau County Municipal Development Plan

On November 15, 2011, Brazeau County Council passed Bylaw 770-11 that approved the Municipal Development Plan, and with it a number of objectives and policies that would guide development over the longer term. This included Policy 92 (below) and with it a recommendation to develop a Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan.

Brazeau County shall endeavour to create and regularly maintain a park, recreation and open space master plan that identifies an inventory of all existing recreation and open space assets in Brazeau County and establishes a plan for the development of future recreational facilities that meet the needs of current and future residents and visitors of Brazeau County. - Policy 92: Brazeau County Municipal Development Plan

A review of the MDP was undertaken and Part 4 (Vision and Priorities) and Part 6 (Future Land Strategy) were identified as providing significant policy direction for the development of a Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan, the following two sections outline a number of key priorities and policies that help shape this document.

Part 4: Vision and Priorities

Priorities like economic development, the natural environment and intermunicipal co-operation are repeated throughout the MDP and speak to the driving force behind Brazeau County's commitment in developing a future that not only ensures a high degree of environmental protection, but also commits to increasing economic development and improving relationships with neighbouring municipalities and area service providers.

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Part 6: Future Land Strategy

How the land in the county will ultimately be developed, where subdivisions and recreational corridors/nodes will go, stems from the future land-use strategy, objects and policies described in the MDP. The following table highlights those policies that are most relevant in the development an Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan.

Table 2 - Appendix B. County policies most relevant to the development of an Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan. Section Title Policies Relevancy to Master Plan 6.1 Agriculture and 7, 8 minimize the fragmentation of agricultural lands by locating in existing Rural Development corridor or near property boundaries and consider conservation easement incentives to protect farmland from subdivision or non-agriculture use 6.2 Residential 31, 32, consider future development of high and low density residential in areas 35, 36 where existing or planned parks, trails, open space are located 6.3 Hamlets and the 41 encourage the development and redevelopment of commercial, IDP Area recreational and institutional land uses in the hamlets to provide existing and future residents with local amenities, facilities and services 6.4 Economic 49,50, Promotes and encourages the safe development of natural resource Development 53, 56- extraction industries, industry and commercial developments. 60 Policy 49: Promote and encourage tourism and recreational development opportunities to both residents and visitors; including developing new and unique tourism and recreation commercial developments on crown land in Brazeau County

Policy 50: Brazeau County shall require the preparation of plans, studies and/or reports for natural resource extraction and processing operations developed on privately owned land. These documents must address: The protection of onsite and adjacent vegetation, soils, hydrological systems and natural resources; Reclamation plans for the land once the natural resource extraction and/or processing activity is completed; Management plans for the handling and storage of hazardous materials; and; Setbacks to protect the proposed operation from adjacent land uses and natural features. 6.5 Natural 64-68, Policy 64: Brazeau County shall prepare and maintain an inventory of Environment 76, 78 known environmentally and culturally significant areas and criteria for identifying new areas.

Policy 65: Brazeau County shall require the protection and preservation of natural areas wherever possible by one or more of the following means: Environmental reserve dedication; Municipal reserve dedication; Environmental reserve easements; Conservation easements; Donations and bequests; Covenants registered on private titles; and Acquisition through purchase or land trades.

Policy 67: Brazeau County may request a 50 metre development setback from the top of bank of major rivers and ravines to provide for an environmental buffer and recreation corridor. This setback should generally consist of a 30 metre environmental reserve dedication, with the balance taken as municipal reserve.

Policy 68: Brazeau County shall require that when lands adjacent to water bodies are subdivided, a strip of land be dedicated as environmental reserve or environmental reserve easement to establish a buffer and to

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provide public access. The width of the required dedication shall be established by the Subdivision Authority and shall not be less than 6 metres, in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Government Act.

Policies 76, 77, 78: Additionally, consider the transfer of title of environmentally sensitive areas to non-profit societies and organizations that can effectively preserve and manage these lands in the long term; regard the integrity of culturally significant landscapes and viewscapes when considering land use and development applications; provide safe and responsible recreation opportunities in natural areas 6.6 Recreation and 79-92 Policies 84, 85, 86, 87, 92: Encourage the development of future and Active Living existing recreational facilities using a network of municipal reserve lands, encourage the development of regional trail systems and park sites throughout Brazeau County; support provincial parks and public recreation areas and the continuation and development of local recreation and cultural facilities; create and maintain a comprehensive parks, recreation and open space master plan 6.7 Crown Land and 93, 94 ensures that land use development (recreational use, business Natural Resources development, tourism activities and other purposes) on Crown land provides a benefit to Brazeau County 6.8 Transportation and 97, 103 Development of a long-term capital plan that addresses the development Utilities and maintenance of public roads and pedestrian and active transportation trails; may develop pedestrian and active transportation trails in road right of ways and County road allowances where it is safe and efficient to do so. 6.9 Intermunicipal and 131 Seek partnership with neighbouring municipalities to improve the efficiency Intergovernmental and quality of services, infrastructure and social programming Cooperation 6.10 Local Planning 134 Establish criteria for the preparation of area structure plans including, but not limited to the dedication and creation of municipal reserves, environmental reserves and environmental reserve easements

Area Structure Plan (ASP)

An Area Structure Plan (ASP) is a plan adopted by Council by bylaw and provides a framework for future subdivisions and developments in a specified geographical area. Typically ASPs provide information on the natural environment, associated influences on development, the location of transportation networks and identify the future land uses by type and density, among others. All ASPs must conform to higher statutory documents such as the Municipal Development Plan and Intermunicipal Development Plan. Currently, Brazeau County has 18 approved ASPs including:

Table 3 - Appendix B. Approved Area Structure Plans in Brazeau County.

Trader Ridge Industrial Park Davis Poplar Ridge Birchwood Village Hill Top Acres River Flats Buck Creek Lindale Riverview Cynthia Lodgepole Rocky Rapids South Rocky Rapids Tourism Node (670-09) Violet Grove Alsike Birchwood Village Belaire Estates

Although ASPs are statutory documents and have been approved by Council resolution, the County or other parties, such as a developer, can apply for amendments to any or all of the above documents. Amendments may include: the addition of additional open space and park

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development policy, alteration of the conceptual plan (this may also occur at the outline plan stage), and changes to Municipal Reserve and/or Environmental Reserve dedication.

Land Use Bylaw Adopted March 26, 2012, living document, currently under review

The Municipal Government Act states that every municipality must pass a Land Use Bylaw (LUB) to regulate the use and development of private land in municipal boundaries. The primary function of the LUB is to divide the municipality into districts and establish “permitted” and “discretionary” land uses for each district. Currently the Land-Use bylaw is being reviewed.

Summary of Brazeau County Studies, Standards, Policies and Agreements

The following table provides a summary of information and sections from the Brazeau County Study or Standard that is relevant to the creation or review of the Recreation Park and Open Spaces Master Plan.

Table 4 - Appendix B. Summary of information and sections from the Brazeau County Study or Standard that is relevant to the creation or review of the Recreation Park and Open Spaces Master Plan.

Study or Standard Relevancy / Link / Tie-Into Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Brazeau County Construction Construction /design /engineering standards for Brazeau County do not include / Design / Engineering important recreation and tourism / information outreach standards, such as trail design Standards or sign standards. Brazeau County Strategic In February 2014, Brazeau County Council and Administration held a one day Plan 2014-2018 workshop to develop the 2014-2018 Economic Development Strategic Plan. A number of key priorities were indicated including: working with Eagle Point - Blue Rapids Parks Council to create a place where people want to come for recreation establish a Tourism Authority, that would promote the region as the "outdoor playground of the west" and begin development of social media campaigns to encourage people to come and see what the area has to offer purchase and begin tourism development at the Brazeau Node create an environmental/ecological plan that can be used as a selling feature develop a strategy for the development of County owned lands develop more boat launches on the North Saskatchewan River the need to develop the social, cultural and recreation infrastructure and market the community consideration for the development of a multi-use recreational facility on County lands Brazeau County/Town of This study informs the Recreation Master Plan by identifying potential future road Drayton Valley networks that could be designed with trails and walkways in mind. Transportation Study Recreation Parks and Open Prepared in 2010, this document provided a foundation for the development of the Space Master Plan 2010 current Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, building upon previous recommendations, the current plan is updated to better reflect current recreational trends, regional land-use planning initiatives and provides an implementation plan for moving forward. Marketing Strategy - Brazeau In 2013, Brazeau County and the Town of Drayton Valley worked with the Vibe County / Town of Drayton Consulting Group to undertake the development of a Marketing Strategy. The strategy Valley - July 2013 - Vibe outline a number of priorities including; Consulting development of a strong brand and year-round, market-ready experiential

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tourism products for the region branding as a premier experiential tourism destination; call to increase cooperation among municipalities and other key stakeholder organizations There was an overwhelming indication that outdoor recreation based activities were the core tourism product for the Brazeau County region. The development of this Master Plan takes these priorities into account and provides a number of infrastructure recommendations to help achieve the above priorities. Communication Plan (2014) The development of the Recreation Open Space Master Plan followed the approved 2014 communications plan adopted by the County. The public was notified of the process and opportunities to participate in the development of the Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. This process has helped to increase awareness of the many open spaces and activities in and around the County.

Historically, parks, recreation and open space management in Brazeau County has developed over time through a combination of processes and activities. The following bylaws, policies and agreements provide some insight on how planning and operational decisions are made.

Table 5 - Appendix B. Bylaws, policies and agreements provide some insight to how planning and operational decisions are made.

Bylaw Purpose Relevancy / Link / Tie-Into Recreation and Open Space Master Plan 56-89 Governing the Acquisition of Informed this plan’s inventory of existing opportunities to encourage outdoor Land for Park Purposes recreation 233-95 Authorize the Execution of a Informed this Plan as to centralized facilities that are managed between both cost sharing agreement with the Town of Drayton Valley and Brazeau County. Also sets the stage for Drayton Valley considering funding options for a semi-urban trail system that connects to Drayton Valley. 680-09 Parks Control Bylaw Outlines the operating procedures for Parks and Municipal Parks throughout the County including hours of operation, enforcement mechanisms and the penalties for specific offenses.

693-09 Off Highway Vehicles On Outlines where and under what conditions the operation of off-highway Highways, Right-Of-Ways vehicles are permitted and penalties for specific offenses. and Municipal Property In Brazeau County

Policy Purpose Relevancy / Link / Tie-Into Recreation and Open Space Master Plan FIN-7 Community Organization In recognizes a need in the community for Cemeteries, Funding Seniors/Disabled/Public Transit, Recreation/Culture services, Brazeau County recognizes that these services should be supported by the community both in principal and also financially (cash or in-kind services). This policy is designed assist to non-profit societies in providing these community services. Deadline to apply is October 31 of each year.

GEN-3 Countyowned Lands The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all county lands are administered in a consistent manner and recommends undertaking a review of all county owned lands every three years. GEN-8 Community Hall Closures Indicates that if a community hall association is dissolved, the dissolved society, and not the County, is responsible for deciding how the remaining assets, hall and land included, will be disseminated. PD-1 Municipal Reserve Indicates when, under what conditions and the extent to which Brazeau Development - Hamlets County will assist hamlets in developing their municipal reserves.

PD-7 Environmental Reserve Recommendation: A better approach rather than cash-in-lieu might be to PD-8 Public Reserve create a approve plan for future locations of trails and trail networks, and RP-1 Municipal Reserve approve a policy of setting these lands aside in ERs-MRs rather than cash- Development Agreements in-lieu payments.

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In addition there are a number of rental/use agreements between Brazeau County and other parties that outline how campground and community halls are to run. These agreements are outlined below:

Table 6 - Appendix B. Rental/use agreements between Brazeau County and other parties that outline how campground and community halls are to run.

Easyford Park Rental Agreement Modeste Park Agreement Lindale Park Rental Agreement Pih-To-Kwe Park Agreement Willey West Park Agreement

Plans and Studies Adjacent to Brazeau County

Any plans adjacent to or sharing boundaries with another jurisdiction will have an impact on Brazeau County's future open space system. The policies in these plans relate to open space and trail development outside of Brazeau Country and could potentially affect the County in terms of possible connections to other jurisdictions. It is therefore prudent to review these plans and provide applicable policy recommendations for consideration in developing the overall open space system.

Table 7 - Appendix B. Plans and related policies that relate to open space and trail development outside of Brazeau Country and could potentially affect the County in terms of possible connections to other jurisdictions.

Plan or Policy Relevancy / Link / Tie-Into Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Eagle Point - Blue Rapids Park Approved in 2011, the Eagle Point - Blue Rapids Management Plan outlines future Management Plan conservation, recreation and land-use strategies for Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. There are a number of strategies and management tactics contained in that encourage partnerships and purpose future trail connectivity with neighbouring municipalities. Tourism Report - Town of Completed in 2013 as a joint project between the Town of Drayton Valley and Drayton Valley (by Eagle Point Brazeau County, this report outlined a number of priorities to increase tourism – Blue Rapids Parks Council) Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area. Identified in this document are a number of strategies regarding the development and promotion of Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area including, among others; the addition of road and directional signage coordinated marketing and promotion of regional events and activities additional facility development including non-motorized and motorized trail systems a full-service campground a primitive walk-in tent campground development of additional river access points along the North Saskatchewan River

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How Provincial, Regional and Local Plans are related to other Planning Documents

•Municipal Government Act •Provincial Land Use Plocies •Land Stewardship Act Provincial Acts and Legislation •Landuse Framework

•North Sasketchewan Regional Plan (pending) •Intermuniciapl Development Plans Regional Plans

•Municipal Development Plans •Master Plans (Recreation, Economic Development, Sustainability) •Area Structure Plans (incl. Outline Plans, Area Redevelopment Plans) Muncipal Plans •Land-Use Bylaw •Subdivision Plans

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Appendix C. Best practices for campgrounds and trials

CAMPGROUNDS

1. BEST PRACTICES WHITE PAPER: RV PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS Plan, Upgrade, Promote or else . . . 2011. By Linda Profaizer, Outdoor Hospitality InSights for the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) (available at: http://www.tians.org/images/stories/pdf/whitepaper.pdf)

2. CAMPING STANDARDS MANUAL, Revision 2012. Alberta Camping Association. (available at: www.albertacamping.com)

TRAILS – EQUESTRIAN

3. Equestrian Design Guidebook for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds. Us Department of Transportation. (AVAILABLE AT: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/publications/fs_publications/0723 2816/

TRAILS – ATV

4. Draft Guidelines and Best Practices for Planning, Design and Development of Summer Off‐Highway Vehicle Trails. 2012. British Columbia. (available at: http://bcwildfire.ca/ftp/DKA/external/!publish/Recreation/Trail%20Information/G&BP%27s %20for%20Summer%20ORV%20Trails_May12.pdf)

5. Leave no trace. (available at: http://www.lnt.org, especially https://lnt.org/teach/research)

6. Tread Lightly. (available at: http://www.treadlightly.org)

TRAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION – CANADA

8. Guidelines and Best Practices for the Design, Construction and Maintenance of Sustainable Trails for All Ontarians. 2006. Trails for all Ontarians Collaborative. (available at: http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/assets/files/pdf/member- archives/reports/Ontario%27s%20Best%20Trails%20-%20%20Full%20Document.pdf)

9. Shared-Use Trails in Canada: A Study of Trail Users, Inventory, Key issues and Best Practices. 2009. Novus Consulting. (available at:

TRAIL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION – USA

10. The USDA Forest Service “Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook” at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/Environment/fspubs/00232839/index.htm includes excellent

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descriptions and diagrams of various trail construction and maintenance techniques from tread maintenance to grade dips to switchbacks to bridges.

11. Appalachian Mountain Club’s - The Complete Guide to Trail Building and Maintenance 3rd Edition by Carl Demrow and David Salisbury. Includes the essentials for creating environmentally sound trails: how to plan, design, build, and maintain trails; protective gear; choice of tools for each job; building ski trails, bridges, stiles, and ladders. Updated techniques focus on stonework, drainage, and erosion control, and working with private landowners. Photos and illustrations are also included.

12. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s - A.T. Design, Construction, and Maintenance by William Birchard, Jr., Robert D. Proudman, and the Regional Staff of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Second edition (2000) of the definitive handbook on trail work, from landscape values to the nitty-gritty of moving rock.

13. Student Conservation Association’s Lightly On The Land: The SCA Trail Building and Maintenance Manual, 2nd Edition by Bob Birkby. For half a century, the Student Conservation Association (SCA) has inspired people of all ages to take part in projects that enhance the environment. In settings from city parks to backcountry wilderness, the practical skills presented in its pioneering handbook have been tested in the field by volunteer and professional work crews throughout the nation. Their input enriches every chapter of the new edition with fresh approaches, new ideas, and modern applications of traditional skills.

14. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines manual provides guidelines for developing sustainable motorized and nonmotorized trails. Extensive attention is given to developing trails that are physically, ecologically, and economically sustainable. A newly-developed trail classification system is described to enhance consistency in how different types of trails are planned and designed. The principles of trail design emphasize the art of designing trails to make them more visually appealing and enjoyable. Technical design guidelines for various types of trails are also extensively considered in the manual. Click the link below to download--CAUTION! This is a very large file, almost 700 MB. http://www.bestpracticesmn.org/presentations/NRW9-20- 06/FULL%20DOCUMENT%20no%20cover.pdf

15. USDA Forest Service Accessibility Guidebook for Outdoor Recreation and Trails is a guidebook intended to help users apply the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines and Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines. Available at: www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility/htmlpubs/htm06232801/index.htm

16. University of Minnesota Trail Design for Small Properties provides simple, inexpensive solutions for designing, building, and maintaining sustainable trials—trails for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). http://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/48335/08425.pdf?sequence=1

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17. University of Minnesota Recreational Trail Design and Construction Manual is a guide for private woodland owners, organizations, and businesses (including nature centers, youth groups, schools, conservation clubs, and resorts) that are interested in designing and constructing trails. It describes step-by-step construction methods, ways to handle trail obstacles, and recommended standards for the most common types of trails. http://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/112657/MiscP26.pdf?sequence=1

18. American Trails Resource Library on Trails Design and Construction http://www.americantrails.org/resources/trailbuilding/index.html

19. International Mountain Bike Association’s - Trail Solutions IMBA’s Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack. This book combines trailbuilding techniques with proven fundamentals in a colorful, easy-to-read format. The new book expands greatly on IMBA's popular 2001 handbook "Building Better Trails" and breaks new ground by providing detailed advice on banked turns, rock armoring, mechanized tools, freeriding, downhilling, risk management, and other pioneering techniques. The book is divided into eight sections that follow the trail building process from beginning to end. Readers will be guided through the essential steps of trail planning, design, tool selection, construction, and maintenance. https://www.imba.com/catalog/book-trail-solutions

20. Natural Surface Trails by Design by Troy Scott Parker Physical and Human Design Essentials of Sustainable, Enjoyable Trails. This first book in a series captures much of the detailed knowledge of skilled trail designers. It presents eleven generative concepts as the foundation for a concise process that explains, relates, and predicts what actually happens on all natural surface trails. The concepts cover the essential physical and human forces and relationships that govern trails—how we perceive nature, how trails make us feel, how trail use changes trails, how soils and trail materials behave, and how water, drainage, and erosion act. http://atfiles.org/files/pdf/PortlandTrailDesign.pdf

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Appendix D. Community engagement questions and results

Appendix D 1. Questions posed and one-on-one Campground Operators consultations

Appendix D2. Questions posed and one-on-one Community Halls consultations

Appendix D 3. Questions posed and one-on-one Outdoor Recreation Organizations consultations

Appendix D4. Questions posed and online survey results: Facilities satisfaction and usage

Appendix D5. Questions posed and online survey results: Trails and pathways

Appendix D 6. Questions posed and online survey results: Camping and campgrounds

Appendix D 7. Questions posed and online survey results: Future recreational development

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Appendix D 1. Questions posed and one-on-one Campground Operators consultations

(Additional information was collected on capacity, camper demographics, recommendations)

Is your campground connected to a trail system? 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 Responses 1.5 1 0.5 0 Yes No

Campground Interest in Connecting to Trail Systems 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5

2 Responses 1.5 1 0.5 0 Not interested Interested in Interested in Interested in motorized nonmotorized both trail types

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Campground Interest in Connecting to Trail Systems 4.5

3.5

2.5

2 Responses

1.5

0.5

0 Not interested Interested in Interested in Interested in both motorized nonmotorized trail types

First Choice of Campground Location 20.0 18.0 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0 Percentage

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Second Choice of Campground Location 16.0 14.0 12.0 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 Percentage 0.0

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Appendix D 2. Questions posed and one-on-one Community Halls consultations

(Additional information was number of members, membership demographics, existence of campground, most important items/topics)

Importance of Features and Facilities

Parking Staging Areas Portages & Trail Access to … Outdoor Recreation Facilities

Water Bodies Natural/Wilderness Areas Very Important Community Halls Somewhat Important OHV Trails Somwhat Unimportant Feature or Facility or Feature Horse-back Riding Trails Very Unimportant Semi-urban Walking & Biking … Wilderness Hiking & Biking … Day-use Areas Campgrounds

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Percentage

132

Appendix D3. Questions posed and one-on-one Outdoor Recreation Organizations consultations

Important Items/Topics 100 90 80 70 60 50 40

Percent (%) Percent 30 20 10 0

Items/Topics

Importance of Features & Facilities

Parking Staging Areas Portages & Trail Access to Water …

Outdoor Recreation Facilities Water Bodies Natural/Wilderness Areas Very Important Community Halls Somewhat Important OHV Trails Horse-back Riding Trails Somwhat Unimportant

Features & Facilities & Features Semi-urban Walking & Biking Trails Very Unimportant Wilderness Hiking & Biking Trails Day-use Areas Campgrounds 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Percent Importance

133

Facilities to Create or Improve 100 90

80 70 60 50 40

Percent (%) Percent 30 20 10 0

Facilities/Features

Barriers to Carrying Out Business

Ability to Fundraise and/or Grant Write Marketing, Outreach, and Communication Access to Natural/Wilderness Areas

Access to Appropriate OutdoorFacilities Very Important

Condition of Hall or Meeting Somewhat Important Barrier Space Somewhat Unimportant Access to Hall or Meeting Space Very Unimportant

Volunteer Capacity Low Membership/Membership Retention 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Percent (%)

134

Beneficial Assistance from Brazeau County 100 90 80

70 60 50 40 Percent (%) Percent 30 20 10 0

Type of Assistance

135

Appendix D 4a. Questions posed to general public and online survey results: Facilities Satisfaction and Usage

Outdoor recreation to me is ______compared to other interests?

Very important Somewhat important Slightly important Not important at all

In the past 12 months, I have participated in ______a total of ______times.

160 140 120 0 times 100 80 1-5 times 60 5+ times 40

…

Horseback riding Horseback

Motorized boating Motorized

Walking or hiking for for hiking or Walking

Random camping (no (no camping Random

Skiing (downhill/cross (downhill/cross Skiing

Campground camping Campground

Outdoor events such as as such events Outdoor Nature or wildlife viewing viewing wildlife or Nature

136

In the past 12 months, I have used the ______in Brazeau County (select all that apply)?

80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0%

0.0%

Use areas Use

Trails

Playgrounds

Equestrian Equestrian

Golf Courses Golf

Campgrounds

Day

Trails/Facilities

Community Halls Community Cross Country Ski Country Cross

How satisfied where you with the the following facilities?

160 140 120 Very Satisfied 100 Satisfied 80 Somewhat Satisfied

60 Dissatisfied

40 Did not use

…

Use areas Use

Equestrian Equestrian

Playgrounds

Sports Fields Sports

Natural areas / areas Natural

Day

Community Halls Community Cross Country Ski Country Cross

137

Over the next 12 months, I am planning to participate in ______(select all that apply)

90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0%

0.0%

…

Horseback riding Horseback

Motorized boating Motorized

designation sites) designation

pleasure or exercise or pleasure

Walking or hiking for for hiking or Walking

Random camping (no (no camping Random

Campground camping Campground

concerts, interpretive interpretive concerts,

Skiing (downhill/cross (downhill/cross Skiing

Outdoor events such as as such events Outdoor Nature or wildlife viewing wildlife or Nature country) or snowboarding or country)

How satisfied are you with Brazeau County's

160 140 120 Very Satisfied 100 Somewhat Satisfied 80 Not Satisfied 60 Can’t Say / No Opinion 40 20

Halls

Trails and and Trails

Walkways

Community Community Campgrounds

138

In my opinion, Brazeau County has sufficient ______.

160 140 120 100 Yes 80 No 60 Can’t Say / No Opinion 40 20

…

Outdoor Outdoor

Trails and and Trails

Walkways

Facilities

Recreation Recreation Campgrounds

Community Halls Community

How important are the following to have when visiting parks and open spaces in Brazeau County?

160 140 120 Very Important 100 Somewhat Important 80 60 Not Important at All 40 Can’t Say / No Opinion

…

… …

Garbage Garbage

use use areas

Security/Park Security/Park

maintained trails maintained

Cook shelters, fire shelters, Cook

Good gravel/paved gravel/paved Good

Walking/Hiking Trails Walking/Hiking

Well Children’s playground Children’s Picnic / Day / Picnic

139

Appendix D 5a. Questions posed to general public and online survey results: Trails and Pathways

In the past 12 months, I have participate in the following trail-based activities ______time(s)?

70 60 0 50 40 1-5 30 6-10 20 10 or more 10

…

ATVing

Cycling

Dirt Biking Dirt

Snowmobiling

hard surfaced surfaced hard

Cross Country Skiing Country Cross Walking/Jogging on on a Walking/Jogging

The MAIN reason for using a trail system was ______.

for fitness/exercise

to commute to work/school/recreation center

to get outdoors and enjoy nature

to participate in a sporting event

a way to be with friends and family

140

In the past 12 months, I have used the following type(s) of trails in Brazeau County. (Select all that apply)

60.0%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0% Paved Paved Single track Off-road trail Off-road trail None of the walking trails shoulder (on hiking trail in a utility within the above rural roads) corridor or road right-of- open space way

I ______to find the location of a trail or trailhead

80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% use a County Map use a Smart Phone follow existing trail rely on past or GPS Device routes and/or posted experiences / signage memory

141

Better directional signage is needed to identify trailheads and trail access points for motorized and non-motorized trail systems.

Agree Disagree Can't say

Overall, I would consider myself primarily a ______

Non-Motorized Trail User (hiking, cross country skiing, horseback riding)

Motorized Trail User (ATVing, Snowmobiling)

142

I live within a 5 minute walk from a trail or walkway?

Yes No

Non-Motorized amenities (trails and facilities) are ______important to me.

very somewhat not

143

Additional non-motorized trails / walkways should be developed in Brazeau County.

Agree Disagree Don't know

I would like to see additional non-motorized trails/walkways developed from/to. (e.g. east/west along Township Road 492, between Range Road 74 and 72)

120.0%

100.0%

80.0%

60.0%

40.0%

20.0%

0.0% Priority #1 Priority #2 Priority #3

144

Motorized amenities (trails and facilities) are ______important to me.

very somewhat not

I would support the development of a formalized ______to reduce the Jeep/4x4 damage to the existing ATV trail systems.

Jeep/4x4 Terran Park (e.g. with rocks, logs, inclines and other technical challenging obstacles) and trail system

Jeep/4x4 Terran Park (e.g. with rocks, logs, inclines and other technical challenging obstacles)

Jeep/4x4 Trail System

None of the Above

145

Additional motorized trails should be developed in Brazeau County.

Agree Disagree Don't know

I would like to see additional motorized trails developed from/to. (e.g. north/south along Range road 83, between township road 474 and 475)

120.0%

100.0%

80.0%

60.0%

40.0%

20.0%

0.0% Priority #1 Priority #2 Priority #3

146

Did you know that many of the unsurfaced (or natural) trail systems within Brazeau County are maintained by volunteers and non-profit community groups?

Yes No

I ______that Brazeau County should offer assistance (financial and/or equipment) to support volunteer groups in maintaining and improving unsurfaced trail systems

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion

147

I would be supportive of Brazeau County purchasing private lands for the purposes of securing trail connections.

Yes No

Please identify the top 3 location(s) where you would like to see trail connections made within Brazeau County.

120.0%

100.0%

80.0%

60.0%

40.0%

20.0%

0.0% Location 1 Location 2 Location 3

148

Appendix D 6a. Questions posed to general public and online survey results: Camping and Campgrounds

In the past 12 months, I have camped ______time(s).

0 1-5 5-10 10 or more

The MAIN reason for going camping was ______.

to be with family and friends

for rest and relaxation

to get outdoors and enjoy nature

to participate in outdoor activities and/or sports

for sightseeing / tourism

149

My PRIMARY camping vehicle is a ______

Tent Trailer Travel trailer Truck camper 5th-Wheel Park Model Class-A Class-B Class-C Tent Other None of the above

In the past 12 months, my style of camping could be BEST classified as

Campground camping

Walk-tent camping

Equestrian camping

Winter camping

Comfort Camping (i,e. accommodation in trapper's tents and teepees) Group Camping

150

Overall, I would consider myself primarily a ______

Campground Camper Random Camper

I random camp because (select all that apply)

80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% i can camp in a there are limited i can not justify i can easily I find that group with campgrounds in the cost of choose my own campsites are friends/family the area that campground camping spot or too close suite my needs camping location together

151

I would ALSO like to answer the "Campground Camper" questions?

Yes No

I mostly camp in ______campgrounds / rv parks

private municipal provincial federal

152

I normally will look for sites ______

90 80 70 60 Yes 50 No 40 Can't Say / No Opinion 30 20 10

…

ups ups

service service

that allow allow that

motorized motorized

that accept accept that

reservations

vehicles (e.g. (e.g. vehicles

(e.g. power, power, (e.g. sites hook sites with full with

When camping, I normally prefer

No hook-ups Water only Water, electricity Full hook-ups No preference

153

I normally select a campground / rv park based on ______

recommendations from friend's/family

internet reviews

camping directories / specialized magazines

previous camping experience at that location

In the past 12 months, I have stayed at the following Brazeau County RV Parks or Campgrounds.

100 90 80 70 60 Yes 50 40 No 30 20 10

…

Kwe

Park

Big Tee Tee Big

Park and and Park

Kayson RV RV Kayson

Cynthia RV RV Cynthia

Pih

RV Park RV

Willey West Willey

Campground Campground

Louie Lake Ltd. Lake Louie

154

Big Tee Campground Most recently I stayed at ______Brazeau Reservoir Recreation Area Cynthia RV Park and Campround Easyford Park

Kayson RV Park

Lodegepole Campground

Louie Lake Ltd. RV Park

Modeste Creek Park

Pih-To-Kwe

Violet Grove R.V. Park

Willey West Campground

None of the above

While at [Q16], I was ______with the ______

100 90 80 Very satisfied 70 60 Somewhat satisfied 50 Satisfied 40 Dissatisfied 30 20 Not Applicable 10

campground

Cleanliness of of Cleanliness

campground

Condition of of Condition

boat launch boat

Signage to/from Signage

buildings/facilities Condition / state of of state / Condition

155

In my opinion, ______more campgrounds are needed in Brazeau County

0 1 2

In your opinion, where should these be located?

120.0%

100.0%

80.0%

60.0%

40.0%

20.0%

0.0% Location #1 Location #2

156

Appendix D 7a. Questions posed and online survey results: Future recreational development

How important are the following facilities and uses of open spaces to communities within Brazeau County?

100 90 80 70 Very Important 60 Somewhat Important 50 40 Somewhat Unimportant 30 Very Unimportant 20

… …

…

… …

ins and and ins

highway highway

Wilderness Wilderness

Put

Full service service Full

Off

Upgrades to to Upgrades

Conservation Conservation Access points points Access

How would you rank the following priorities for all types of recreational trails in the County?

100 90 80 70 Very Important 60 Somewhat Important 50 40 Somewhat Unimportant 30 Very Unimportant 20

…

… …

… … …

…

Develop Develop

Improved Improved

Add more more Add Add more more Add

Improve trail Improve Provide more more Provide Develop more more Develop

157

How influential do you consider the following barriers in discouraging you from participating in outdoor recreational activities more often?

100 90 80 70 Very Influential 60 50 Somewhat Influential 40 30 Not Influential 20 10

…

full

Cost of of Cost

equipment

Unaware of of Unaware

recreational recreational

facilities

far away far

Limited sight Limited

Programs are are Programs Unaware of the the of Unaware

Facilities are too too are Facilities

158

Appendix D 4b. Questions posed to general public and online survey results: Facilities Satisfaction and Usage (Only Brazeau Residents Responses)

Outdoor recreation to me is ______compared to other interests?

Very important Somewhat important Slightly important Not important at all

In the past 12 months, I have participated in ______a total of ______times.

80 70 60 0 times 50 40 1-5 times 30 5+ times 20

…

Horseback riding Horseback

Motorized boating Motorized

Walking or hiking for for hiking or Walking

Random camping (no (no camping Random

Skiing (downhill/cross (downhill/cross Skiing

Campground camping Campground

Outdoor events such as as such events Outdoor Nature or wildlife viewing viewing wildlife or Nature

159

In the past 12 months, I have used the ______in Brazeau County (select all that apply)?

70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0%

0.0%

Use areas Use

Trails

Playgrounds

Equestrian Equestrian

Golf Courses Golf

Campgrounds

Day

Trails/Facilities

Community Halls Community Cross Country Ski Country Cross

How satisfied where you with the the following facilities?

80 70 60 Very Satisfied 50 Satisfied 40 Somewhat Satisfied 30 Dissatisfied 20 Did not use 10

Use areas Use

Ski Trails Ski

Playgrounds

Equestrian Equestrian

Sports Fields Sports

Cross Country Country Cross

Day

Trails/Facilities

Natural areas / areas Natural provincial parks provincial

Community Halls Community

160

Over the next 12 months, I am planning to participate in ______(select all that apply)

90.0% 80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0%

0.0%

…

Horseback riding Horseback

Motorized boating Motorized

designation sites) designation

pleasure or exercise or pleasure

Walking or hiking for for hiking or Walking

Random camping (no (no camping Random

Campground camping Campground

concerts, interpretive interpretive concerts,

Skiing (downhill/cross (downhill/cross Skiing

Outdoor events such as as such events Outdoor

Nature or wildlife viewing wildlife or Nature country) or snowboarding or country)

How satisfied are you with Brazeau County's

80 70 60 Very Satisfied 50 Somewhat Satisfied 40 Not Satisfied 30 Can’t Say / No Opinion 20 10

Halls

Trails and and Trails

Walkways Community Community

Campgrounds

161

In my opinion, Brazeau County has sufficient ______.

80 70 60 50 Yes 40 No 30 Can’t Say / No Opinion 20 10

…

Trails and and Trails

Walkways

Outdoor Outdoor

Recreation Recreation

Campgrounds Community Halls Community Facilities (outdoor (outdoor Facilities How important are the following to have when visiting parks and open spaces in Brazeau County?

80 70 60 Very Important 50 Somewhat Important 40 30 Not Important at All 20 Can’t Say / No Opinion

…

… …

…

use use

Garbage Garbage

Children’s Children’s

maintained maintained

Security/Park Security/Park

Picnic / Day / Picnic

Well

Cook shelters, fire shelters, Cook Good gravel/paved gravel/paved Good

Walking/Hiking Trails Walking/Hiking

162

Appendix D 5b. Questions posed to general public and online survey results: Trails and Pathways (Only Brazeau Residents Responses)

In the past 12 months, I have participate in the following trail-based activities ______time(s)?

35 30 0 25 20 1-5 15 6-10 10 10 or more 5

…

ATVing

Cycling

Dirt Biking Dirt

Snowmobiling

hard surfaced surfaced hard

Cross Country Skiing Country Cross Walking/Jogging on a on Walking/Jogging

The MAIN reason for using a trail system was ______.

for fitness/exercise

to commute to work/school/recreation center

to get outdoors and enjoy nature

to participate in a sporting event

a way to be with friends and family

163

In the past 12 months, I have used the following type(s) of trails in Brazeau County. (Select all that apply)

60.0%

50.0%

40.0%

30.0%

20.0%

10.0%

0.0% Paved Paved Single track Off-road trail Off-road trail None of the walking trails shoulder (on hiking trail in a utility within the above rural roads) corridor or road right-of- open space way

I ______to find the location of a trail or trailhead

80.0% 70.0% 60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% use a County Map use a Smart Phone follow existing trail rely on past or GPS Device routes and/or posted experiences / signage memory

164

Better directional signage is needed to identify trailheads and trail access points for motorized and non-motorized trail systems.

Agree Disagree Can't say

Overall, I would consider myself primarily a ______

Non-Motorized Trail User (hiking, cross country skiing, horseback riding)

Motorized Trail User (ATVing, Snowmobiling)

165

I live within a 5 minute walk from a trail or walkway?

Yes No

Non-Motorized amenities (trails and facilities) are ______important to me.

very somewhat not

166

Additional non-motorized trails / walkways should be developed in Brazeau County.

Agree Disagree Don't know

I would like to see additional non-motorized trails/walkways developed from/to. (e.g. east/west along Township Road 492, between Range Road 74 and 72)

120.0%

100.0%

80.0%

60.0%

40.0%

20.0%

0.0% Priority #1 Priority #2 Priority #3

167

Motorized amenities (trails and facilities) are ______important to me.

very somewhat not

I would support the development of a formalized ______to reduce the Jeep/4x4 damage to the existing ATV trail systems.

Jeep/4x4 Terran Park (e.g. with rocks, logs, inclines and other technical challenging obstacles) and trail system

Jeep/4x4 Terran Park (e.g. with rocks, logs, inclines and other technical challenging obstacles)

Jeep/4x4 Trail System

None of the Above

168

Additional motorized trails should be developed in Brazeau County.

Agree Disagree Don't know

I would like to see additional motorized trails developed from/to. (e.g. north/south along Range road 83, between township road 474 and 475)

120.0%

100.0%

80.0%

60.0%

40.0%

20.0%

0.0% Priority #1 Priority #2 Priority #3

169

Did you know that many of the unsurfaced (or natural) trail systems within Brazeau County are maintained by volunteers and non-profit community groups?

Yes No

I ______that Brazeau County should offer assistance (financial and/or equipment) to support volunteer groups in maintaining and improving unsurfaced trail systems

Strongly Agree Agree Disagree Strongly Disagree No opinion

170

I would be supportive of Brazeau County purchasing private lands for the purposes of securing trail connections.

Yes No

Please identify the top 3 location(s) where you would like to see trail connections made within Brazeau County.

120.0%

100.0%

80.0%

60.0%

40.0%

20.0%

0.0% Location 1 Location 2 Location 3

171

Appendix D 6b. Questions posed to general public and online survey results: Camping and Campgrounds (Only Brazeau Residents Responses)

In the past 12 months, I have camped ______time(s).

0 1-5 5-10 10 or more

The MAIN reason for going camping was ______.

to be with family and friends

for rest and relaxation

to get outdoors and enjoy nature to participate in outdoor activities and/or sports for sightseeing / tourism

172

My PRIMARY camping vehicle is a ______

Tent Trailer Travel trailer Truck camper 5th-Wheel Park Model Class-A Class-B Class-C Tent Other None of the above

In the past 12 months, my style of camping could be BEST classified as Campground camping

Walk-tent camping

Equestrian camping

Winter camping

Comfort Camping (i,e. accommodation in trapper's tents and teepees) Group Camping

173

Overall, I would consider myself primarily a ______

Campground Camper Random Camper

I random camp because (select all that apply)

174

I would ALSO like to answer the "Campground Camper" questions?

Yes No

I mostly camp in ______campgrounds / rv parks

private municipal provincial federal

175

I normally will look for sites ______

40 Yes 30 No

20 Can't Say / No Opinion

…

ups ups

service service

that allow allow that

motorized motorized

that accept accept that

reservations

vehicles (e.g. (e.g. vehicles

(e.g. power, power, (e.g. sites hook sites with full with When camping, I normally prefer

No hook-ups Water only Water, electricity Full hook-ups No preference

176

I normally select a campground / rv park based on ______

recommendations from friend's/family internet reviews

camping directories / specialized magazines previous camping experience at that location

In the past 12 months, I have stayed at the following Brazeau County RV Parks or Campgrounds.

50 45 40 35 30 Yes 25 20 No 15 10 5

…

Kwe

Park

Big Tee Tee Big

Park and and Park

Kayson RV RV Kayson

Cynthia RV RV Cynthia

Pih

RV Park RV

Willey West Willey

Campground Campground

Louie Lake Ltd. Lake Louie

177

Big Tee Campground Most recently I stayed at ______Brazeau Reservoir Recreation Area Cynthia RV Park and Campround Easyford Park

Kayson RV Park

Lodegepole Campground

Louie Lake Ltd. RV Park

Modeste Creek Park

Pih-To-Kwe

Violet Grove R.V. Park

Willey West Campground

None of the above

While at [Q16], I was ______with the ______

50 Very satisfied 40 Somewhat satisfied 30 Satisfied 20 Dissatisfied 10 Not Applicable

campground

Cleanliness of of Cleanliness

campground

Condition of of Condition

boat launch boat

Signage to/from Signage

buildings/facilities Condition / state of of state / Condition

178

In my opinion, ______more campgrounds are needed in Brazeau County

0 1 2

In your opinion, where should these be located?

120.0%

100.0%

80.0%

60.0%

40.0%

20.0%

0.0% Location #1 Location #2

179

Appendix D 7b. Questions posed and online survey results: Future recreational development (Only Brazeau Residents Responses)

How important are the following facilities and uses of open spaces to communities within Brazeau County?

60 50 Very Important 40 Somewhat Important 30 Somewhat Unimportant 20 Very Unimportant

… …

…

… …

ins and and ins

highway highway

Wilderness Wilderness

Put

Full service service Full

Off

Upgrades to to Upgrades

Conservation Conservation Access points Access

How would you rank the following priorities for all types of recreational trails in the County?

60 50 40 Very Important Somewhat Important 30 Somewhat Unimportant 20 Very Unimportant

…

… …

…

… …

…

Develop Develop

Improved Improved

Add more more Add more Add

Improve trail Improve Provide more more Provide Develop more more Develop

180

How influential do you consider the following barriers in discouraging you from participating in outdoor recreational activities more often?

50 45 40 35 Very Influential 30 25 Somewhat Influential 20 15 Not Influential 10 5

…

full

Cost of of Cost

equipment

Unaware of of Unaware

recreational recreational

facilities

far away far

Limited sight Limited

Programs are are Programs Unaware of the the of Unaware

Facilities are too too are Facilities

Appendix E. Summary of options and delivery implications

Options Delivery Implications

Options for trails and facilities Trail systems for - Conceptually design and build an expanded rural-urban trail - Increase / dedicate recreation pedestrian and system connecting to hamlets, Community Halls, and key planning and management capacity in cycling use recreational facilities. Brazeau County (Planning and . Define process to establish reserves and easements for Development, Community Services) recreation corridors on private land. and through partnerships (e.g. Eagle . Ensure appropriate policies are incorporated in to the Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council) Land Use Bylaw to facilitate establishment of easements - Dedicate funds for construction and of or reserves on land with key recreation potential. trails and explore alternative funding . Confirm process for establishment of recreation leases on mechanisms (e.g. partnerships with AESRD public lands. corporations). . Use proposed trail by landowner of SW and SE 19-49-7 - Dedicate funds and human resources W5M as a case study to test and refine process. for ongoing maintenance of the trail . Work with landowners, municipalities, and AESRD to system (should be a consideration in establish reserves, easements, and leases to realize plan. planning trail surface material). - Work with the Village of Breton to develop a trail system, using above as example.

181

Inter-municipal - Brazeau County initiate and lead/co-lead the planning and - Increase / dedicate recreation ATV Trail System development of a cross-county ATV trail system that connects planning and management capacity in with adjacent municipalities Brazeau County (Planning and . Engage adjacent municipalities, AESRD, Alberta Parks, Development, Community Services) Industry and ATV Recreational Groups. and through partnerships ( Eagle Point . Connects with existing or proposed trails, sites of interest, – Blue Rapids Parks Council). the Brazeau ATV Club trail system, the Brazeau Node, - Dedicate funds for construction and of campgrounds, etc. trails and explore alternative funding . Explore connection to potential campground at the north mechanisms (e.g. partnerships with end of Range Road 93, with highway crossing for Highway corporations, AESRD). 620 to connect to Brazeau ATV Trails, and interpretive - Plan and construct, through component for recent forest fire areas. partnerships, connecting ATV trail . Planning to include a partnership funding model for system. construction, maintenance and stewardship of the trail system. Family-oriented - Develop a family-oriented multi-use recreation site in Blue - Brazeau County to encourage Alberta multi-use Rapids Recreation Area east of the North Saskatchewan River, Parks to: Recreation Area including: . Increase recreation planning . A touring ATV trail system (with reclamation of existing involvement in Blue Rapids damaged trails). Provincial Recreation Area, and/or . Plan and develop equestrian trails. . Provide funding support to Eagle . Plan and develop single track cross-country bike trails. Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council . Plan and develop interpretive walking trails to highlight in meeting the recreation needs of key ecological areas and features. the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park . Incorporate day use / picnic areas for family and group System use. - Brazeau County to support the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council in applying for grants and corporate support for recreation planning and construction in the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System (e.g. provide letters of support). - Provide in-kind contributions of equipment and man hours to support the planning and construction of various trail systems (ATV, horse, bicycle, walking) and day use areas. Campgrounds and - Construct at least two new campgrounds that facilitate - Increase recreation planning capacity Camping access to ATV trails in Brazeau County (Planning and . Explore locating one full service campground in NW 23- Development, Community Services) 47-8 / NE 22-47-8 W5M northwest of North and through partnerships ( Eagle Point Saskatchewan River in the Blue Rapids Provincial – Blue Rapids Parks Council) Recreation Area, with access directly to the Brazeau ATV . Consult and work with Alberta Club trails Parks, AESRD, sand and gravel . Explore locating one full service campground in SE and operators, Community Hall SW 32-47-7 W5M, east of North Saskatchewan River in Associations, Campground Owners the Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area, with limited and Operators, Eagle Point – Blue access to trails east of the North Saskatchewan River Rapids Parks Council, not-for- - Dedicate capital to the construction of the primitive / paddle- profit recreational groups, Rotary in campground at the east end of 494 Club - Explore locating a campground on the Pembina River at the - Dedicate capital to the construction of north end of Range Road 93, at the congruence of the campgrounds and campsites in order Riverside Trails and the Snowmobile Trail System (could be of priority. adjusted to 10 year priority). - Dedicate capital to the 494 - Start negotiations with sand and gravel operators for Campground; confirmed Rotary Club reclamation of pits in key areas to major campground funding is contingent on Brazeau facilities County also contributing funds. . Discuss the potential for locating campgrounds at SE 25, - Explore alternative funding models for

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NE 24 and SE 24-47-8 W5M as well as SE 14-49-7 W5M capital construction (e.g. sponsorship with Associated Aggregates and naming rights for corporations). - Consider converting the group camping area at Modeste - Provide grant opportunities to Creek into a public campground (not solely group camping) Community Hall Associations to - Encourage expansion of existing private campgrounds where conduct capital planning or feasible, and work with/ support existing campgrounds to construction projects to improve incorporate existing and proposed recreational facilities (e.g., recreational capacity associated with adjacent trails, boat launches) into their planning. Community Halls, AND/OR - Formalize paddle-in campsites along popular paddling and - Provide administrative support to riverboat routes on the Pembina and North Saskatchewan Community Hall Associations in applying for grants outside of Brazeau River (eg. NW and SW 16-50-6 W5M). County to increase recreational - Work with AESRD to establish common random camping capacity associated with Community sites, and encourage AESRD to manage these areas for Halls. recreational use (no new incompatible leases in the area). - Encourage Alberta Parks and the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council to clarify guidelines regarding random camping in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area - Support Community Hall Associations in providing or expanding/upgrading camping space near their halls and facilities. Picnic and Day - Formalize Picnic and Day Use Areas, and clearly designate - Brazeau County to (Barrymore Bridge, Use Areas camping regulations at these sites: City Service Bridge and Farmers Picnic . Barrymore Bridge: river access picnic area, motorized Area): boat launch and random group camping. . Hire sufficient seasonal staff or . City Service Bridge: random tent camping, Pembina River seasonal staff supervisors to picnic area, hand boat launch. conduct maintenance at day use . Farmers Picnic Area: no overnight camping, Pembina areas. River picnic area, hand boat launch. . Purchase and install infrastructure . Buck Creek Site (New, in Blue Rapids Provincial to formalize day use areas (picnic Recreation Area): Reservable group site, cooking shack, tables, bear-proof garbage cans, winter use, picnic area, explore potential for trail to the out-house facilities, fire rings). North Saskatchewan River . Fund site upgrades to formalize day use areas (ie. gravel pads for parking) - Brazeau County to (Buck Creek Site): . Support Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council in making a formal proposal to Arc Resources. . Encourage Alberta Parks to provide Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council with financial support for recreation planning in the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System. Paddle boating - Develop a high quality, current map of river routes in Brazeau - Fund and contract the development of County with details describing route distances, times, high quality tourism outreach camping areas, and additional contact information. materials. - Install signage along river routes identifying key locations - Fund and contract the development along the way, distance to next access points, and maps of and installation of consistent signage the river route. Make these signs consistent with paper for recreational facilities. maps. - Fund upgrades and maintenance to - Take advantage of all tourism information avenues available picnic / day use areas (see Picnic / Day now and in future to advertise Brazeau County’s boating, use areas above). paddling and floating opportunities. - Develop campgrounds for more comfortable camping along river routes (e.g. 494 campground) . Paddle boat launches at the proposed no-service

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campground - Formalize day use and overnight campsites along river routes with fire rings and picnic tables, and develop a plan for waste management at these sites (e.g. City Service Bridge) Boating - In addition to relevant recommendations above, - Plan, acquire easement and construct, (motorized) - Explore the opportunities to develop a public boat launch as through partnerships, boat launch on part of a conservation easements on private land in key private land near Drayton Valley. areas. - Support installation of other boat . Support landowner at NE 34-48-7 W5M to establish launches as planning or these conservation easement with boat launch advances in the Eagle Point – Blue - Work with AESRD and/or the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Rapids Parks system Council to construct public boat launches on public land or in - Provide in-kind contributions of the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Park System, respectively. equipment and man hours to support These could be part of proposed larger facilities, such as the planning and construction boat campgrounds. launches. - Larger boat launches (accommodating motor boats) at - Contribute to funds required for proposed full service campgrounds (e.g. SE and SW 32-47-7 construction of boat launches, and W5M).with river access. explore alternative funding models. Floating - In addition to relevant recommendations above (notably - Contribute funds towards Regional access, maps and signage), Tourism Authority who will likely be - Establish guidelines for safe, enjoyable floating on the responsible for these deliverables. Pembina and North Saskatchewan Rivers, and make these guidelines available online and in printed material at all tourism information locations Parks, Natural - Establish Brazeau County or a recreational partner (e.g. Eagle - Increase / dedicate recreation Areas and Vacant Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council) as Stewards (Alberta Parks planning and management capacity in Public Lands designation) for Provincial Natural Areas in Brazeau County Brazeau County (Planning and . Augment and promote recreational opportunities at Development, Community Services) natural areas and through partnerships (e.g. Eagle (e.g. hunting, hiking, etc.) Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council) - Support the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks Council in - Dedicate funds for construction and of advocating for the expansion of the Eagle Point – Blue recreation facilities and explore Rapids Park System upstream to the Brazeau Reservoir and alternative funding mechanisms (e.g. downstream towards Edmonton partnerships with corporations, - Conduct a review of vacant public lands with prime AESRD, Alberta Parks). recreation potential for Brazeau County and work with AESRD to dedicate these lands for recreation purposes (e.g. with leases, or by establishing a Visitor Services Zone) - Work with AESRD, landowners and non-profit organizations to establish a conservation and recreation corridor of riparian lands along the Pembina River, through a combination of EcoGifts, conservation easements, environmental reserves, and provincial land designations. Options for land acquisition, easements stewardship Municipal - Review and augment the list of proposed priority municipal - Increase / dedicate recreation planning Reserves, and environmental reserves provided in the Recreation and management capacity in Brazeau Environmental Master Plan. County (Planning and Development, Reserves - Using Strathcona County and the Beaver Hills Initiative as an Community Services) and through example, define process for identifying and choosing priority partnerships (e.g. Eagle Point – Blue sites for municipal and environmental reserves provided, and Rapids Parks Council) to establish easements and reserves for environmentally - Dedicate funds for construction and of sensitive areas and recreation corridors on private land. recreation facilities and explore - Ensure appropriate policies are incorporated in to the Land alternative funding mechanisms (e.g. Use Bylaw to facilitate establishment of easements or partnerships with corporations). reserves on land with key recreation potential. - Use proposed easement / reserve by landowner of SW and SE

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19-49-7 W5M as a case study to test and refine process EcoGifts and - Ensure appropriate policies are incorporated in to the Land - Increase / dedicate recreation planning Conservation Use Bylaw to facilitate establishment of easements or and management capacity in Brazeau Easements reserves on land with key recreation potential. County (Planning and Development, - Develop a streamlined process to establish and administer Community Services) and through conservation easements. partnerships (e.g. Eagle Point – Blue . Establish Brazeau County as Qualified Organization to Rapids Parks Council) administer easements and manage them through a - Dedicate funds for construction and of partnership with the Eagle Point – Blue Rapids Parks recreation facilities and explore Council, OR alternative funding mechanisms (e.g. . Establish a Land Trust to administer and manage the partnerships with corporations). conservation easements; could still involve a partnership between Brazeau County and Parks Council. - Using Strathcona County and the Beaver Hills Initiative as an example, define process for identifying and choosing priority sites for municipal and environmental reserves provided, and to establish easements and reserves for environmentally sensitive areas and recreation corridors on private land. - Use proposed easement / reserve by landowner of SW and SE 19-49-7 W5M as a case study to test and refine process Options for policies and bylaws amendments Policies and by- - Develop a trails and recreational infrastructure policy with - Consider focussed effort in County laws (new and design standards for paved and unpaved trails that would Administration to develop policy amendments) apply to all County-owned lands and others who wish to amendment that focus on outdoor receive County support for trail construction and recreation and open spaces maintenance. management. - Update the Land Use Bylaw to limit incompatible land uses - Support Eagle Point – Blue Rapids near established and priority recreation and conservation Parks Council’s grant application to areas. AESRD for funding to conduct - Update the Land Use Bylaw to include landscaping environmentally significant areas and requirements that reduce aesthetic interruptions adjacent to other important studies (e.g. ASAP established and priority recreation and conservation areas. communication to AESRD Minister). - Obtain supporting studies and documentation to inform the - Consult recreation and conservation application of the amended policies and bylaws (e.g. organizations in development of policy environmentally significant areas) amendments. - Amend Policy 49 of the MDP to encourage and support more integration between resource development and outdoor recreation; Policy 67 to make 50 m setback more prescriptive - Ensure conformity between Area Structure Plans and higher level planning documents such as Municipal Development Plan and Intermunicipal Development Plan - Bylaw 680-09: update to include a classification of park space - Bylaw 693-09: update to support/encourage ATV tourism potential - Policy FIN-7: update to ensure specific support opportunities to outdoor recreation groups - GEN-3: update to support the benefit MRs can play in trail linkages - PD-1: update to support outdoor recreation for Hamlets Options for Tourism and Information Outreach Tourism and - Develop a high quality, current map of recreation - All of these recommendations will Information opportunities in Brazeau County with additional information probably be undertaken by the Outreach contact URLs and phone numbers Regional Tourism Authority. . If detailed trail information cannot be included in this - Funding and human resources be overarching county map, specific facility or area dedicated to the Regional Tourism trail/route maps should be developed and made available Authority to support achievement of for every facility and/or route (e.g. Brazeau Reservoir these deliverables. Campgrounds and Trails, Pembina River paddling/floating

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route) - Provide support and/or grant opportunities to non-profit Recreation Organizations and local private tourism destinations in developing current, high-quality tourism materials and an online presence. - Ensure working links to these destination and organization websites are provided on the Brazeau Regional Tourism Website (or new website if one is developed), as well as through printed materials circulated by the County and Town of Drayton Valley / Regional Tourism Authority - Obtain all current trail maps, brochures, and information packages relating to recreation opportunities and organizations in Brazeau County, and make this information available online and in hard copy at a Tourism Information Centre. - Develop and install informative and consistent highway and road signage for all recreation destinations. - Develop and install informative and consistent route signage for all trail systems and paddling routes including details such as distance and estimated time intervals.

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