Maskepetoon wetland threatened by highway re-alignment

Maskepetoon Park in Red Deer contains significant wetland habitats that are notable for their biodiversity and recreational value. The park is located off Kerry Wood Drive/Oak Drive and features a mix of riverside areas, woods, and wetlands, with about two kilometers of trails for visitors. It is known for attracting a variety of bird species, including ducks, pileated woodpeckers, and songbirds^[1].

Currently, these wetlands are facing potential impacts from a proposed infrastructure project. Plans to widen Highway 2 (QEII) around Red Deer could result in the highway curving through the northwest edge of Maskepetoon Park, directly affecting a portion of the park’s wetlands as well as some nearby forested areas. The preliminary designs indicate the highway expansion would occur just north of the Red Deer River and may also touch a small part of Heritage Ranch^[2][3].

If implemented, this would mean the loss of some wetland and natural areas in the park, although project planners state that this may be offset by restoring a gravel pit into a new natural area with ponds and wetlands when the construction is complete^[2]. The timeline for this part of the project is not immediate—design work is ongoing and expected to finish in 2026, with any work near Maskepetoon Park likely to occur between 2027 and 2031, pending project approval^[2].

In summary:

• Maskepetoon Park’s wetlands are a key part of Red Deer’s natural environment and a local birding hotspot^[1][4].
• The QEII highway expansion project may result in the loss of part of these wetlands, though compensatory habitat creation is planned^[2][3].
• Public feedback and engagement are part of the planning process^[2][3].

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• https://birdingtrailsalberta.com/city-of-red-deer/maskepetoon-park/  
• https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/home/highway-2-widening-could-affect-wetland-8128154     
• https://rdnewsnow.com/2025/07/11/province-wants-to-double-width-of-qeii-hwy-at-red-deer-but-would-encroach-upon-sensitive-wetlands/   
• https://visitreddeer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/658336a06963458e2c2344e1_TRD-MAP-with-Logos-1.pdf