Alberta’s Public Land Trails Grant Program

Program applicants must be legal entities with appropriate experience, capacity and competency to deliver sustainable recreation program on public land, such as:

• designated Trail Managers
• volunteer recreational groups
• non-governmental organizations
• municipalities
• Indigenous communities and organizations
• any other group registered under the provincial Societies Act

Prioritization of grant funding will be given to:

• current trail managers under the Trails Act
• partners that are proven and have ready-to-deliver projects
• organizations leveraging other sources of funding
• provincially designated trails where a trail management plan exists or is pending

Individuals are not eligible to receive funding under Alberta’s Public Land Trails Grant Program but are encouraged to participate and contribute to projects with eligible partners.

Projects eligible for funding must meet the following program outcomes:

• maintenance/repairs of existing infrastructure (for example, trails, staging areas, camping areas, signage)
• monitoring/maintenance of recreational use and services (for example, inspections, cleaning, servicing)
• site rehabilitation and reclamation, addressing safety and/or environmental issues
• increasing operational capacity through engagement, planning and/or administrative activities

Grant funding is only available for projects that occur on public land.

Applications may include projects for one individual site/trail or multiple sites/trails within a recreation unit under the same project plan. Improvements on non-motorized trails are a priority for program funding. Applications that demonstrate how other sources of funding are being leveraged, and how lead organizations have a proven track record for project delivery, will be prioritized.

Eligible project costs include, but are not limited to, the following:

• salaries and benefits directly tied to staff hired for the proposed activity
• travel-related expenses
• operating expenses related to the project
• goods and services to promote and deliver eligible activities
• technical consulting and professional services
• education, communication and outreach activities and products
• monitoring and ongoing inspections within the proposed term

Prior to completing and applying for consideration, applicants are encouraged to confirm by email well in advance of the application deadline the eligibility of projects which are not listed above.

Multi-year projects, and projects that do not directly support the program priorities and outcomes or do not align with public land use and values will not be considered for funding under the program.

Project costs not eligible for funding include:

• construction of new facilities, infrastructure and trails
• activities not directly supporting outdoor recreation on public land
• establishing or contributing to a reserve/contingency account
• donations to other organizations
• refundable Goods and Services Tax (GST) payments
• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) payments
• salary and benefits of existing staff that are funded by other sources
• expenses incurred outside of the project term

• The application form to apply for funding in 2025 will be shared here once available.
• Resource guide

During this contact, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and will receive a grant application resource guide to help complete your application.

If your proposed project is in Northern Alberta (North of Highway 16), contact:

Dave Hugelschaffer, Manager, Recreation, Education and Partnerships
Phone: 780-712-1910
Email: [email protected]

If your proposed project is in Southern Alberta (South of Highway 16), contact:

Brad Jones, Manager, Recreation, Education and Partnerships
Phone: 403-355-4854
Email: [email protected]

This includes a:

• description of the project’s objectives, measurable outcomes, rationale, methodology and process for completing the work
• project work plan or timeline, including milestone dates
• description of project partners and their role in the project, including any letters of support
• stakeholder and public communication plan, including recognition of the Government of Alberta’s contribution to the project
• map or aerial photos clearly delineating project location(s)
• scoping of any regulatory requirements and approvals that may influence proposal timelines
• detailed project financial plan including a description of proposed expenses and expenses funded by alternative sources

Submit the application, project proposal and any supporting information by email to [email protected].

• Project supports or enhances sustainable recreation opportunities, including public safety, for Albertans on public land.
• Project enhances environmentally responsible use of public land through sustainable recreation.

• Cost and benefit: Proposals must provide good value for money and must justify the costs of the project in relation to benefits for Albertans.
• Cost sharing: Proposals should strive to leverage funding or benefits from other sources.
• Sustainability and maintenance: Proposals should have a lasting impact on the recreation network, including any maintenance plans beyond the initial project phase.
• Reach and scale: Proposals that have a positive impact on a broad section of recreation stakeholders are favoured over those affecting a single user group.
• Collaboration and partnership: Proposals should engage in partnerships and collaborate with multiple stakeholders within the landscape. The level of community support for the proposed project will be taken into consideration.
• Planning and project management: Proposals that clearly align with Alberta’s recreation management plans and programs (for example, regulatory, planning) will be a priority.

Applicants will receive written notification of the decision regarding their application within 60 days of the application deadline. If your project is approved, you will work with the Program Coordinator to enter into a grant agreement prior to March 31. The agreement will outline expected timelines, budget, deliverables and conditions.