Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (TPR) has recently deregulated Coal Lake South Provincial Recreation Area (PRA) in order for the County of Wetaskiwin to take over operation for public use through a long term lease with the Government of Alberta.
Coal Lake South PRA is a small site, approximately 15 hectares in size, located east of Wetaskiwin. It contains a day use area and 25 individual campsites. The site was closed by TPR in early 2010 due to its low use and service reductions. The campground's occupancy rate averaged about six per cent. Closure of this site allowed TPR to focus resources at sites with higher recreation and conservation value, like nearby Miquelon Lake Provincial Park.
Leasing the deregulated site to Wetaskiwin County allows it to be re-opened for public use in time for the 2011 camping season, and provides the County with greater flexibility to offer local and regional recreation and tourism opportunities.
Should you have any questions about the recent deregulation of Coal Lake South PRA and subsequent lease to Wetaskiwin County, please contact Ron Henderson, East-Central Regional Director, Parks Division at 780-340-5355.
Media inquiries may be directed to Camille Weleschuk at 780-427-2206.