Partners have expressed interest in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System (the River Valley) as the preferred study area. The River Valley has a high potential to meet the goals of the National Urban Park Program (conserving nature, connecting people to nature, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples). Proposed boundaries within the River Valley haven’t been decided.
Partners are considering which areas in the system present the greatest opportunities and could be prioritized for a first phase of a national urban park. Further work is needed to determine the scale, phasing options, management model and funding opportunities. Partners have expressed interest in a phased designation approach, beginning with a smaller area(s) and exploring the potential for future park expansion.
The management structure for a potential national urban park has not been determined, but the City is not considering a transfer of City parkland to the federal government. Instead, partners would discuss flexible management models allowing for local control and jurisdiction. Management options will be explored more fully in the next phase of the project.