Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country (abbreviated: K-Country)[1] is a multi-use area west of Calgary, Alberta, Canada in the foothills and front ranges of the Canadian Rockies.

Covering an area of approximately 4,000 km2 (1,500 sq mi), Kananaskis Country was formed by the Alberta Government in 1978 to provide an assortment of land uses and designations.

Land uses include resource extraction activities (such as forestry, cattle grazing, water, oil and gas), recreation, power generation, and residential communities.

[4] It was established by the Municipal Affairs branch of the Alberta Government for multiple uses including logging, gas and oil extraction, cattle grazing, recreation and tourism.

A management plan approved in March 2003 by the Kananaskis Country restricts further development in the Spray Valley Provincial Park area to preserve the ecological integrity.

Restrictions were imposed on off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, horseback riding and biking; however, a site in the Spray Valley is considered for the construction of a small lodge.

Each Public Land Use Zone is managed differently, but permitted activities may include cattle grazing, trapping, mining, oil and gas exploration and production, logging, pipelines, cultivation, or commercial recreation operations.

[7] In June 2021, the Alberta Government implemented user fees for all personal and commercial vehicles stopping in Kananaskis Country.

William Watson Lodge, a facility for people with disabilities, seniors, and their families is located in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.