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Horseshoe Canyon Pay Parking
Pay Parking will continue at Horseshoe Canyon for the 2022 Season.
At the September 28, 2021, Council meeting, Council directed administration to include provisions for paid parking and Kneehill County's Ambassador Program at Horseshoe Canyon in the proposed 2022 budget.
The pay-parking program will begin again in mid-May. Fees are $2/visit.
The Horseshoe Canyon Focus Group recommended that parking fees stay consistent with those in the area, that a partnership with Travel Drumheller continue, that hours of staff on-site be extended, and a parking booth/facility be constructed to provide staff shelter and increased revenue through branded sale items (water, t-shirts), etc.
$15,000 has been budgeted for the addition of a Parking Booth in 2022.
Project Background
Kneehill County implemented a pay parking pilot project at Horseshoe Canyon for the 2021 season, running from mid-May to the long weekend of September. Parking fees were $2/visit.
Overall, the pilot project was a success. Having staff on-site at the Canyon during weekend/outside regular work hours was of benefit to the Canyon and guests, as staff could address tourism questions, visitor concerns, encourage responsible visitation, and tend to washroom facilities. The Travel Drumheller Ambassador onsite also provided a welcome presence.
Cost Breakdown
| Project Expense Estimates | $40,000 |
| Project Revenue Estimates | $40,000 |
| Project Expenses- Actual | Staffing: $16,876.75 Signage, Supplies, Debit Terminal, Additional Safety Materials: $1,742.07 Fuel: $1773.60 Total Project Expenses: $20,392.41 |
| Revenue- Actual | $17,492.26 (Lower traffic numbers due to prolonged heat, wildfire smoke, border closures, etc.) |
Next Steps
At the September 28, 2021, Council meeting, Council directed administration to include provisions for paid parking and Kneehill County's Ambassador Program at Horseshoe Canyon in the proposed 2022 budget. Council also made the motion to discuss long-term planning for Horseshoe Canyon at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.
Should the project continue, it is recommended that parking fees stay consistent with those in the area, that a partnership with Travel Drumheller continue, that hours of staff on-site be extended, and a parking booth/facility be constructed to provide staff shelter and increased revenue through branded sale items (water, t-shirts), etc.
These recommendations were brought forward as "Next Steps" in consultation with ratepayers through the Horseshoe Canyon Focus Group.
The booth would cost an estimated $15,000, which was budgeted for previously and postponed pending the Horseshoe Canyon Focus Group's recommendations.