Following the introduction of random camping in the Eastern Slopes, the Alberta Government today announced both daily and annual vehicle pass fees for Kananaskis Country that will come into effect on June 1.

Called the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, it will cost $15 for a daily pass and $90 for an annual pass. The pass can be shared by two vehicles and one camping trailer.

Commercial passenger vehicles of 15 people or less will pay $22.50 for a day pass or $135 annually. Those with 16 or more passengers will pay $30 daily or $180.

The conservation pass area includes provincial parks, public land in Kananaskis, provincial campgrounds, and day-use areas in the Bow Valley corridor. The fee will also be used to facilitate the expansion of protected areas within Bow Valley Provincial Park.

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Those arriving by other means, such as on bike, foot, or horseback, will among those who will be exempt from paying the fee.

Environment and Parks minister Jason Nixon says the revenue will go back into enhancing conservation activities, services, and facilities in Kananaskis. That includes $11.5 million in additional upgrades planned by the province.

He says the anticipated revenue from the pass is approximately $15 million annually. 

"The cost is modest, and is in fact is less than the access fee that is charged in the National Mountain Parks in our province, like Banff and Jasper," says Nixon.

Nixon claims it will also aid with ongoing traffic and parking issues being experienced in K-Country.

"As a per vehicle fee, the conservation pass will help with traffic management. It will encourage folks to find alternative means to Kananaskis, when appropriate."

Nixon says the park attracted 5.4 million visitors last year, one million more than Banff National Park. That has lead to growing issues with litter, overcrowding/illegal parking, public safety issues/injuries, and human-wildlife conflicts.

He says visitation has increased by nearly 70 per cent since 2014.

Issues in K-CountryIncreased use of K-Country has lead to several issues, including overcrowded areas and vandalism. (Photos/AB Gov't.)