In April 2012, the FASD Society contacted Alberta Parks to discuss the potential to construct a summer camp. The summer camp would be designed to meet the specialized needs of children with FASD, and would offer opportunities to engage in nature-based activities, encourage new hobbies and positive experiences, learn social skills and build positive support systems.
French Bay Provincial Recreation Area is located approximately 8 km east of the City of Cold Lake. The proposed summer camp would be located just west of Range Road 11, approximately 1 km inside the PRA. The proposed development on the two-hectare lease includes a log cabin structure, ropes course, small parking area, and the installation of a septic tank and water holding tank.
Feedback was gathered during a 60-day online public comment period that ended August 30, 2013. First Nation consultation was also conducted. The province took all comments into consideration, along with historical and environmental reviews, before making a decision. Alberta Parks would like to thank everyone who provided feedback on the proposal.
All of the input received from the public has been reviewed and is provided in the summary entitled “What We Heard”. Overall, the majority of comments received were in support of the proposal. Based on some concerns raised regarding non-FASD use of the facility, the following change to the draft concept has been made to reflect public input:
The FASD camp will have a condition placed upon it in which the facility use must be in connection to the provision of the FASD programming and will not be available for:
Alberta Parks has approved the proposal by the Lakeland FASD Society to lease two hectares of land within the French Bay PRA. A Letter of Authority has been issued to the Lakeland FASD Society for the summer camp on June 5, 2014. Construction for this project is anticipated to begin summer of 2014.
This decision reflects our commitment in the Plan for Parks to create additional recreational opportunities for Albertan’s, to encourage private sector involvement, and to support the development of additional facilities.
If there are any further questions about the project, please contact Ms. Kelly Kennedy, Community Relations Planner, Northeast Region 780-623-5477.
Disclaimer: We thank you for providing your input. Those who submit feedback will not be contacted individually regarding their submission.
