Quads will still be allowed on Bighorn Country trails, Phillips tells town hall

There are no plans for changes to trails for quads in Bighorn Country, Environment and Parks Minister Shannon Phillips said in a telephone town hall Tuesday evening.

Phillips addressed misinformation she has seen on social media, including changes to designated off-highway vehicle trails in the provincial park proposal. Phillips said there are “no changes whatsoever.”

Part of the proposed $40-million investment into the area is to improve existing trails to support local user groups who have looked after the trails for years, she said.

“We want to work with local groups to improve access and enjoyment of the local trails and make sure they are sustainable for future Albertans,” said Phillips.

The telephone town hall was held after in-person town halls were recently cancelled after the minister cited several instances of staff being harassed. Those town halls were rescheduled to telephone conferences and, at the beginning of the town hall, Phillips said the government did not “take this decision lightly.”

“It was based on the behaviour of a small minority of people. It is clear the vast majority of Albertans have participated in this process respectfully,” said Phillips.

“Albertans have the right to have their voice heard and consulted, but Albertans also have the right to feel safe and secure at public engagements. We have both responsibilities as government.”

Phillips also made it clear there is no effect on current or future forestry or oil- and gas-development jobs or investment in the west country public land-use zone.

“They’re in place so we can balance recreation and industrial development so that recreation doesn’t get in the way of oil and gas job safety or forestry jobs,” said Phillips and added the proposed plan would not affect grazing for cattle either.

The proposal also does not include government-funded hotels or lodges.

“It’s time for government to step up and be a partner in Bighorn Country. We understand that

Albertans have the right to have their voice heard and consulted, but Albertans also have the right to feel safe …

people are enjoying it and I want people to continue to do that,” said Phillips.

Phillips addressed a number of questions regarding the public land use, rustic camping and hunting and fishing in the park.

Another telephone town hall for Red Deer and the surrounding area will be hosted by Phillips between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. People can continue to review the proposal and provide feedback online by visiting talkaep.alberta. ca. The deadline for submitting feedback is Feb. 15.