Overview
We are gathering input on the draft Berland Sub-regional Plan and its regulatory details. Sub-regional plans help provide opportunities for Albertans to work and play, improve the overall landscape and enable Indigenous traditional uses.
The draft plan shows how Alberta plans to manage land and activity in the area, such as building roads, cutting trees, oil and gas work, recreation and other industry uses.
The Berland sub-region is in west-central Alberta, west of Hinton and east of Wilmore Wilderness Park. The A la Peche and Little Smoky woodland caribou ranges are within this sub-region. The sub-region overlaps Treaty 8 lands.
Get informed
The Berland sub-region is located in the southern portion of the Upper Peace Region and the western portion of the Upper Athabasca Region, covering 19,529 square kilometers, bounded by the Simonette River to the north, the boundary between Willmore Wilderness Area and Jasper National Park to the south, the Athabasca River and Highway 43 to the east, and the Smoky River to the west. The sub-region features upper and lower foothills landscapes, extensive forested areas, numerous lakes and wetlands, and major river systems. The À la Pêche southern mountain caribou range and the Little Smoky boreal caribou range occur in this sub-region.
Resources
Learn more about the draft Berland Sub-regional Plan and its related regulatory details:
- Draft Berland Sub-regional Plan
- Berland Sub-regional Plan overview map
- Land-use Framework
- Alberta Land Stewardship Act (established the legal basis for regional and sub-regional plans)
- A Woodland Caribou Policy for Alberta
Information sessions
Attend a virtual information session to get information about the draft plan and ask questions:
- September 15, 2 pm – 3:30 pm
- October 14, 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Get involved
Online survey
Complete the online survey by November 12, 2026 to share your input on the draft Berland Sub-regional Plan and its regulatory details.
Indigenous engagement
We will work directly with Indigenous communities and organizations throughout the Berland Sub-regional Plan area to ensure their perspectives are heard and explored.
Sector engagement
We will meet with interested sectors within the Berland Sub-regional Plan area.
We will notify holders of statutory consents that are expressly identified by the proposed plan and regulatory details to provide the opportunity for these individuals to propose alternate means to achieve the policy outcomes of the sub-regional plan.
How we got here
The draft Berland Sub-regional Plan based on input previously provided to Alberta’s government. To create a plan that truly reflects the needs and values of the sub-region, we continue to welcome additional perspectives and contributions from:
- local municipalities
- Indigenous peoples and organizations
- the energy and forestry sectors
- trappers
- recreational users
- environmental non-government organizations
- other local knowledge-holders and interested parties
Outcomes
Feedback will help us finalize the Berland Sub-regional Plan and its regulatory details, for approval and regulation as a standalone sub-regional plan under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act until the Upper Peace Regional Plan comes into effect.
Approval under the Alberta Land Stewardship Act allows the sub-regional plan to provide policy and regulatory directions to coordinate decisions by multiple land uses and users.
Contact
Connect with the Berland Sub-regional Plan engagement:
Email: [email protected]