The revenue from the Kananaskis Conservation Pass has generated over $10 million and on track to hit its target of $15 million.

Introduced on June 1, more than 253,000 passes have been issued and the revenue is being used to enhance visitor experiences, with revenues going to trail maintenance, visitor services, search and rescue operations, waste management, and the upkeep of facilities in Kananaskis Country.

Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) officials say the revenue generated has supported:

  • The hiring of 20 additional conservation officers and 32 new seasonal positions, including more recreation officers and visitor services staff to support safe and sustainable outdoor recreation. 
  • The reopening of two visitor information centres.
  • Grooming of cross-country ski trails.
  • Increased public safety through incident response services and traffic management.

Additionally, $1 million will be used to plan and design upgrades to the Canmore Nordic Centre. Other key initiatives include modernizing William Watson Lodge and improving the popular Yamnuska Trail.

AEP minister Jason Nixon says there will be many more new projects slated for the park because of revenue from the pass.

Revenue from the K-Country pass builds on the Alberta government’s $70-million capital investment into parks and public lands in 2021.