Alberta’s Capital Region River Valley Park
Creating a legacy… for generations to come
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6. Big Valley
From the future Anthony Henday Drive east through Strathcona County to Edmonton’s northeast boundary
Large tracts of land in this segment of the park are active or former industrial sites. That makes it an ideal location to showcase environmental reclamation as industrial activities wind down in the years ahead and a top location for potential new river valley destinations. A proposed new major regional destination park would provide a swimming lake, major boat launch and a festival venue with a Walk of Nations celebrating our heritage. Adjacent to it is a proposed new heritage site and conference centre. A new children’s ranch camp adds a place for children of all ages. Across the river, the Strathcona Water Park is proposed as a destination whitewater and fl atwater recreation park. Both of these parks could provide potential sites for international fairs and sports events. Rounding out this area are the proposed Horsehills Ponds Amphitheatre, Farmstead Model Farm, and Strathcona Nature Centre.
River Valley Factoid
Settlements along the river began with trading posts and missions that were usually situated on sites favoured by Aboriginal groups as seasonal encampments. These sites were most beneficial for shelter, protection, and resource harvesting. Guided by Aboriginal people, the earliest Europeans along the river soon adopted these advantageous sites. Early European communities along the river were constructed inside forts.