Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation (TPR) has recently deregulated and transferred Holmes Crossing Provincial Recreation Area (PRA) to Barrhead County for its continued operation as a public recreation site.
Holmes Crossing PRA, located in west central Alberta, north of Barrhead, is a small highway wayside site of 2.16 hectares with limited natural value and recreational opportunities. In 2003, an Interim Operating Agreement was signed with Barrhead County 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 Barrhead County 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 Holmes Crossing 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 Barrhead County 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 Holmes Crossing Provincial Recreation Area, please contact Emily Chamberlain, West Central Area Planner, Parks Division at 780-960-8170, ext. 226.
Media inquiries may be directed to Camille Weleschuk at 780-427-2206.
