Outdoor Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan Key Findings

Outdoor recreation is important to 98% of Brazeau region survey respondents

Background

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.

Summary

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 and general action options 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-focused 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;

1 5. Options for specific capital and operational projects that focus on incremental and partnership 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 picnic areas: that includes 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 with 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.

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 with partnership funding; the first four years is estimated to cost $3,680,000 with additional partnership funding, and; the first year is estimated to cost $725,000 ($430,000 for capital expenditures and $295,000 for operational expenditures) with additional partnership funding.

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 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.

2 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 County Council and Administration Non-Profit Recreation Organizations and Clubs Community Hall Associations Campground Operators

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 is recommended again in 2015, in the form of two open houses, after the May 12 workshop with Council.

Key Findings: General Public 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 were least satisfied with organized outdoor facilities (e.g. sports fields, rinks), and secondarily least satisfied with campgrounds,

3 community halls and day-use areas in Brazeau County. Of those Brazeau County residents that had an opinion, they were similarly least satisfied with organized outdoor facilities (e.g. sports fields, rinks), and secondarily least satisfied with community halls and campgrounds. It is important to note that in both cases, satisfaction in all cases is high when combining “very satisfied” and “somewhat satisfied.” Survey respondents 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.

Key Findings: 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. Common themes included: 1) the importance of access to water bodies, natural areas, staging areas, community halls and campgrounds; 2) the barriers of access to natural areas, facilities, volunteer capacity, ability to fundraise.

Key findings: 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.

4

Key Findings: 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.

Key Findings: 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 the Plan, but highlights include:

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.

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.

5

OPTIONS: KEY FACILITIES

Trails (walking trails, ATV trails, equestrian trails)

A. Lindale – Consider 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

B. Buck Creek – Consider an unsurfaced trail that would connect Buck Creek Hall with Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area and the proposed Picnic Area, as well as with Buck Lake Creek Natural Area to the east.

C. Lodgepole – Consider 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.

D. Drayton Valley - Rocky Rapids – Eagle Point Provincial Park – Consider a trail system in conjunction with Drayton Valley, Rocky Rapids and Eagle Point Provincial Park that would provide year-round recreation opportunities for walking, jogging, rollerblading and cycling.

E. Inter-municipal all-terrain vehicle trail system – Consider initiating and leading/co- leading the planning of an inter-municipal ATV trail system that connects with adjacent municipalities in order to: a) engage with adjacent municipalities, AESRD, Alberta Parks, Industry and ATV Recreational Groups; b) connect existing or proposed trails, sites of interest, the Brazeau ATV Club trail system, the Brazeau Node, campgrounds, etc; c) include a funding model for construction, maintenance and stewardship of the trail system.

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

6

Map 1. Conceptual trail system in the Lindale area.

7

Map 2. Conceptual trail system in the Buck Creek area.

8 Map 3. Conceptual trails in the area of Lodgepole.

9

Map 4. Conceptual trail system linking Drayton Valley with adjoining areas.

10 Campgrounds (ATV-friendly campground; RV campgrounds; primitive, walk-in/paddle to campgrounds)

- 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. - Almost 40% of respondents choose to random camp, and the primary reason for random camping was to camp with a group. - 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 NW 23-47-8 W5M and NE 21-47-8 W5M in the Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area 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). - Dedicate funding or in-kind resources to the construction of the primitive / paddle-in campground at the east end of 494, to support the Rotary Riverside proposed day-use facilities that also includes a primitive campground. - 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 - Consider converting the group camping area at Modeste Creek into a public campground (not solely group camping) - 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.

11 Map 5. Conceptual locations for ATV-friendly full service campground in Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area and Section 7 lands.

12

Map 6. Conceptual location for a full service (non ATV) campground in Eagle point Provincial Park (in the long term) (Site 3).

13

Map 7. Pembina River conceptual campground location.

14

Map 8. Location of Rotary Club’s Eagle Point Provincial Park day use area, including a primitive campsite.

Day-use picnic areas (includes picnic tables, fire pits and garbage receptacles)

- 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. - 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. Move forward as soon as possible with full funding and development, including improved road access, for the Rotary Riverside partnership park;

15 - Garbage cans, clean facilities and well maintained trails and facilities were the most important aspects of open spaces and facilities to survey respondents. - Short-term options for formalization of day use areas include: Berrymoor Bridge (Potential group site (RV) accommodation), City Service Bridge (Potential tent camping, limited sites), Farmers Picnic Area, and Buck Creek Site; - 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.

Map 8. Day-use options.

Map 9. Rotary Riverside partnership park (494) – zoom-in of main facilities.

16 Community trout pond and pheasant release area Consider initiating planning for a community stocked trout pond and a community pasture for wild turkey / pheasant release, to be initially lead by interested clubs /organizations.

OPTIONS: KEY PROGRAMS

Parks, Natural Areas and provincial crown lands program - 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.

Reserve and easement program - 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. - Establish Brazeau County as a Qualified Organization to administer easements and manage them through a partnership with the EPBR Parks Council, OR - 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

Volunteer private lands stewardship and access program Identify 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.

17

Tourism, marketing, and outreach program - Respondents of the 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. - Develop a high quality, current map of recreation opportunities in Brazeau County with additional information contact URLs and phone numbers. - 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.

New and amendments to County policies and by-laws program - Consider amending/enacting municipal policies that would encourage stronger direction and higher standards for outdoor recreational planning and development.

COSTS AND PHASING

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 (e.g., 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.

Summary of potential County costs over ten years to implement the Master Plan. $ in 10 Item years Brazeau Node 600,000 Drayton Valley – Rocky Rapids (and/or Breton) trail 300,000 systems for pedestrian and cycling use Inter-municipal 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

18 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 500,000 the proposed Tourism Authority) 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.

Four-year priority options include: - Walking, biking Trail Systems – $260,000 - ATV and associated Trail Systems – $70,000 - Rotary Riverside road improvement to Primitive Campground – $250,000 - Other campgrounds – $1,250,000 - Day-use areas – $85,000 - Boat launch(s) – $45,000 - Community Trout Pond – $100,000 - Crown land stewardship – $150,000

Summary of potential County costs over four years to implement the Master Plan. 4-year Operational 4-year (maintenance and Capital planning) Total Brazeau Node 150,000 100,000 250,000 Drayton Valley – Rocky Rapids (and/or Breton) trail systems for pedestrian and cycling use 185,000 45,000 230,000 Cross-County ATV Trail System 75,000 75,000 150,000 Family-oriented multi-use Recreation Area 70,000 50,000 120,000 Campgrounds and Camping 1,500,000 100,000 1,600,000 Picnic and Day Use Areas 85,000 25,000 110,000 Boating (paddle, motorized, floating) 45,000 5,000 50,000 Community trout pond and pheasant/turkey release 100,000 10,000 110,000 Parks, Natural Areas and Vacant Public Lands 150,000 90,000 240,000

Land assembly, easements, stewardship program focus 175,000 175,000

19 Water-based recreation and watershed resiliency program focus 175,000 175,000 Intensify community development efforts 240,000 240,000 Tourism, marketing, communications, signage and outreach program focus (these costs may be covered by the proposed Tourism Authority) 200,000 200,000 Environmentally Significant Areas Inventory 30,000 30,000 Total 2,360,000 1,320,000 3,680,000 Average costs per year 590,000 330,000 920,000 New and amended County Policies/Bylaws: costs assumed to be in existing and projected County Administration budgets.

Costs, in many cases, could potentially be shared with industry, government, and recreation organization partners (e.g., Town of Drayton Valley, Alberta Parks and other provincial ministries, industry).

20