Woodlands County is entering a Trail Manager Agreement with the Government of Alberta for the Centre of Alberta Natural Area.
As approved by council, The county says the agreement will improve its ability to plan, build and maintain trails by enhancing its credibility, improving access to grant funding and demonstrating alignment with provincial standards.
The Centre of Alberta Natural Area features a cairn at the province’s longitudinal and latitudinal centre, a grizzly bear statue, and a time capsule that was scheduled to be opened in 2018, but remains sealed. The area is accessed from a rest stop along Highway 33.
Two trails connect the rest stop and the natural area, both of which have received improvements to routing and signage. Alberta Parks received funding for some of this work in 2025, which included clearing debris, deteriorated structures and downed trees, installing new outhouses and boardwalks and rerouting wet area crossings.
By taking on a formal management role, county officials say it can position itself as a regional tourism destination, improving networking and partnership opportunities, in addition to other benefits.
Council notes, the agreement must be finalized within the constraints of the approved 2026 budget, which includes $30,000 for the Centre of Alberta Natural Area. Based on a recent budget for a comparable recreation site, council estimates maintenance, including wages and supplies, will be about $22,000. This estimate does not consider unforeseen or initial costs, or potential grant support.
