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Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson is lobbying for the creation of a new provincial park within city boundaries — one that would give residents access to a “phenomenal” natural area and create opportunity for cultural tourism.

The river valley park would protect the southwest Big Island-Woodbend area and could be co-managed with the Enoch Cree Nation, since it overlaps with reserve land the Cree nation was forced to give up in the early 1900s.

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“It really is a phenomenal area,” said Iveson. “Big Island really was the first (accidental) beach area. Paddle-wheelers used to go up there. It was a day trip for families, then it fell out of use. But the beauty that was there 100 years ago is still fully there.

“It’s a stunning area that’s largely untouched,” he said, adding that some areas that were previously farmed could be great for a campground or gathering space.

The first details of the plan were released Friday in a report to city council. It says the mayor’s office held initial discussions with the province, Enoch and other regional stakeholders this past spring and now needs formal approval to proceed. “All stakeholder representatives indicated interest in principle for continuing the discussion.”