Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (TPR) has recently deregulated and transferred Hanmore Lake Provincial Recreation Area (PRA) to the County of Smoky Lake for its continued operation as a public recreation site.
Hanmore Lake PRA, located in northeastern Alberta approximately 24 kilometres north of the County of Smoky Lake, contains a small campground, boat launch, and picnic shelters. In 2006, an Interim Operating Agreement was signed with the County of Smoky Lake for operation of the site with the understanding that the site would be formally transferred to the county in the future. TPR is fulfilling that commitment to the County of Smoky Lake by completing the final administrative step in transferring the site to them.
As part of the Plan for Parks, TPR has committed to clarifying the park system and providing quality park experiences for all Albertans. The transfer of sites such as Hanmore Lake PRA to the local municipality allows them greater flexibility to offer local and regional recreational and tourism opportunities.
A caveat will be placed on the title to ensure that if the County of Smoky Lake is no longer running the site for public recreation, the title will be transferred back to the province. The municipality does not have the authority to sell or transfer the site to a third party for any purposes.
Should you have any questions about the deregulation and transfer of Hanmore Lake Provincial Recreation Area, please contact Cara Gill, Northeast Area Planner, Parks Division at 780-623-5435.
Media inquiries may be directed to Camille Weleschuck at 780-427-2206.