So, just where did your money go that was used to purchase a Kananaskis Conservation Pass?
Over the last year, the pass generated over $12 million and according to the provincial government, it was reinvested back into K-Country.
Over 95,000 annual passes at $90 each were sold with 35,600 multi-day use passes sold along with 166,00 single-day passes with a price tag of $15 per day.
Fines for personal vehicles without a pass are $150 and $350 for commercial vehicles.
A minimum of $450,000 was generated because of fines being handed out.
In a release, the government said the revenue was spent on improvements to the region which greeted over four and a half million visitors last year.
They broke it down as follows:
- $950,000 in conservation and environmental education
- $2.2 million in trail stewardship and maintenance
- $1.5 million in mountain rescue and dispatch
- $1.6 million in planning and administration
- $3.85 million in facility operations and maintenance
- $2 million in pass enforcement technology and resources
The revenue generated from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass accounts for approximately 60 per cent of the Kananaskis' annual budget.
Alberta's Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen was quoted in the release "Kananaskis Country offers so much to Albertans and visitors alike. By continuing to invest in this region, we’re ensuring that future generations of Albertans will continue to enjoy the beauty of K-Country for years to come."
The government partnered with various groups to aid in the conservation of the region like the Friends of Kananaskis volunteer group.
Executive Director Trevor Julian is pleased with the partnership and was also quoted in the release.
"Kananaskis Country is a unique place in the world and is an amazing place to recreate and enjoy Alberta’s natural beauty. The Friends of Kananaskis and its volunteers are proud to work to preserve and maintain Kananaskis Country for generations to come."
The Kananaskis Conservation Pass was launched on June 1, 2021. You can read more in the Minister's 2023-24 annual report.
This year K-Country is celebrating its 46th anniversary since its formation in 1978 by Premier Peter Lougheed.