Minister of Alberta Forestry and Parks, Todd Loewen, signed an Order in Council to amend the Recreational Access Regulation, which oversees recreational access to grazing leases in Alberta. This amendment introduces several significant changes aimed at improving the management and accessibility of these lands.
One of the key updates is the addition of a purpose statement under section 1.1, which clarifies that the regulation is designed to benefit Albertans by recognizing the economic, social, and environmental importance of agricultural disposition land. This statement sets the tone for the revised regulation, emphasizing its broader impact on the community.
In a move to modernize communication methods, the requirement for a “facsimile number” as a reasonable contact method has been removed from section 4(1). This change reflects the evolving nature of communication technology and aims to streamline contact processes.
The dispute resolution process has also been updated. Now, the department will provide a copy of the dispute to the leaseholder rather than the recreationalist, as outlined in sections 13(3) and 16(3). This shift aims to ensure that leaseholders are more directly involved in resolving conflicts.
Leaseholders are now empowered to offer guidance to recreational users under the new section 9.1. Although this section is not enforceable under the Provincial Offences Procedure Act, it encourages collaboration and mutual understanding between leaseholders and recreational users.
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