Expanding access to Alberta’s great outdoors: Budget 2026 invests $275 million in parks, trails and campsites Exclusive Interview with Minister Todd Loewen

【CMHnews Post】Reported by Lynn Wang

March 11th, 2026

Policy Launch: Budget 2026 Expands Outdoor Infrastructure

The Government of Alberta recently announced a $275-million investment over three years in Budget 2026 to improve parks, trails and camping infrastructure across the province. The investment responds to growing demand for outdoor recreation while supporting tourism and local economic development.

     As more residents and tourists head into the wilderness, Alberta’s provincial parks, Crown lands, and trail systems are experiencing a steady surge in visitation. The provincial government stated that this funding will primarily focus on maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure, constructing new campsites, expanding trail networks, and enhancing visitor service facilities to elevate the overall outdoor experience.

     Furthermore, the government aims to add more than 900 new campsites by 2033. This initiative is designed to alleviate the "fully booked" challenges at popular parks during peak seasons, ensuring more families have the opportunity to connect with nature.

Voices from Leadership: Investing in Nature and Public Experience

     Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen emphasized that the investment is both about improving infrastructure today and preserving Alberta’s natural experiences for the future.

     “Budget 2026 is focused on building what matters to Albertans. Alberta’s government is investing in the places people value today, while enhancing them for future generations. Funding for projects in every corner of this province will open corridors for Albertans, and the increased number of visitors enjoying our landscapes every year. We are excited for the opportunities these investments create for Albertans, ensuring they have access to safe, memorable experiences however they choose to recreate.”

Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks

Fortifying Alberta’s Outdoors: A Conversation with Minister Todd Loewen

     Following the unveiling of Budget 2026, CMH News conducted an exclusive interview with Minister Todd Loewen to discuss the strategic priorities behind the $275-million  investment and its potential ripple effects on local communities and Alberta’s outdoor recreation  sector.

 Key Priority 1: Enhancing Infrastructure to Meet Growing Demand

     CMH News：Budget 2026 proposes a $275-million investment over three years to improve trails, campsites and park infrastructure. Could you highlight the key priorities of this investment and what Albertans can expect to see on the ground??

     Minister Loewen: The core goal of this three-year, $275 million investment is to ensure Albertans continue to have access to "high quality, low cost outdoor recreation."The government will prioritize high-use routes, areas with safety concerns, and locations where upgrades can reduce long-term maintenance costs.

     He noted that the funding will support refurbishing aging facilities and infrastructure, including water and wastewater systems, campgrounds, and day-use areas. This will be done while continuing to build and upgrade trails to improve safety and accessibility, ultimately enhancing the overall visitor experience on our Crown lands.

Key Priority 2: Expanding Camping Resources

     CMH News：With the goal of 900 new campsites by 2033, how will this funding specifically  speed things up to help meet that demand?

     Minister Loewen: Minister Loewen confirmed that a strategic plan is already in place to reach the 900-campground goal by 2033. He noted that in the 2026-27 fiscal year, the government aims to complete projects initiated last year while further expanding capacity on that basis. He emphasized that this investment is intended not only to build new facilities but also to address the significant surge in demand for outdoor recreation.

     “Just this year alone, in this fiscal year 2026-27, we plan on completing 118 new campsites at four specific locations,” he said. The sites are:

•            Freeman Lake Public Land Recreation Area

•            Pigeon Lake Provincial Park

•            Waterton Reservoir Provincial Recreation Area

•            Two Lakes Provincial Park

     The Minister explained that these sites were chosen due to their high usage, and the government aims to "make sure that there’s spots for everybody that wants to go there and camp,” he added, noting that the province will also be finishing off several sites started last year.

Key Priority 3: Collaboration and Community Engagement

     CMH News: How was collaboration involved in the announcement and planning of these projects? And how will you encourage further collaboration and engagement with different groups on future projects like these?

     The Minister emphasized that when undertaking significant projects like these, collaboration and engagement with various organizations are essential. He noted that recreation groups, municipalities, and Indigenous communities are usually closer to the affected areas , positioning them perfectly to help identify specific needs, which in turn provides them with meaningful"stewardship opportunities.”

     As an example, he pointed to the Friends of Kananaskis and the Canmore Area Mountain Biking Association(CAMBA), both of whom supported and participated in the Canmore Area Trails Master Plan. He also noted that the Friends of the Eastern Slopes have been successfully operating campgrounds in the west-central part of the province. The Minister observed that "those collaborations work good," adding that these are exactly the types of partnerships the government intends to maintain and leverage when making future plans.

Key Priority 4: Growth for Parks and Communities

     CMH News: With park visitation continuing to grow, how do you see these investments supporting local communities and Alberta’s outdoor recreation economy?

     Minister Loewen: These investments will benefit the province by driving "local tourism." He believes that as Albertans travel within the province and see improved facilities, it will further stimulate tourism. The government’s goal is to ensure they "don't focus it all just in one part of the province, but multiple parts of the province at the same time," as there are extraordinary landscapes to see across the entire province.

     CMH News: Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for Alberta’s parks, trails, and camping infrastructure?

     Minister Loewen: In closing, he emphasized that the long-term vision is fundamentally about making sure that "parks are for people." The government aims to ensure that anyone recreating in Alberta can find the activity they enjoy and know that the experience is "affordable, safe, and is respectful of the lands that it takes place on."

Conclusion: The Future of Alberta’s Outdoor Lifestyle

     From the Rocky Mountains to our prairie lakes, the natural landscape is more than just Alberta’s geographic signature; it is the indispensable soul of our provincial lifestyle. With the steady rollout of this $275 million investment, Alberta is laying a solid foundation for its outdoor recreation system for decades to come by enhancing infrastructure and visitor service facilities.

     This initiative represents more than just improved trails and modernized campsites; it embodies a "people-centred" balance—protecting our ecological integrity while lowering the barriers to the wild. As the vision suggests, regardless of how times change, ensuring every Albertan has the opportunity to connect with nature safely and seamlessly will remain the enduring direction for our province, fostering a sense of belonging in our shared natural heritage.