The federal government is recognizing the importance of the North Saskatchewan River.

Last Wednesday, Parks Canada said the river can now be considered for full designation in the Canadian Heritage Rivers System after a nomination for the Alberta portion was submitted by Smoky Lake County.

The nominated section includes the entire 718km of the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta from the Banff National Park boundary to the Alberta-Saskatchewan provincial border. The 49km section of the North Saskatchewan River within Banff National Park was previously designated as a Canadian Heritage River in 1989.

“The rich cultural landscape of Smoky Lake County has been nurtured by the North Saskatchewan River, most notably around Métis Crossing, located within the Victoria District National Historic Site of Canada,” said Smoky Lake Reeve Lorne Halisky in a press release.

“Since late 2019, the County has led a collaborative Initiative of municipalities, Indigenous communities, and other recreation and stewardship groups to advance the Canadian Heritage Rivers System designation for the North Saskatchewan River across Alberta. This designation will ensure greater awareness and collaboration among jurisdictions and river-users to foster sustainable tourism, business, and recreation opportunities through the recognition and celebration of the outstanding cultural values of this iconic river.”

The Canadian Heritage Rivers System is Canada’s national river conservation program. It gives national recognition to Canada’s outstanding rivers and encourages their long-term management to conserve their natural, cultural and recreational values.

The Village of Vilna has secured an Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) Grant from Alberta Municipal Affairs, which is supporting work toward a Heritage River Management Plan for the North Saskatchewan River in Alberta.