Alberta's new plate design. Supplied media
EDMONTON — Alberta will unveil its first new licence plate in more than 40 years, with Moraine Lake winning a provincewide vote that drew more than 240,000 ballots.
The design, set to debut in mid-2026, features the Banff National Park landmark along with the provincial motto “Strong and Free.” The government says the updated plate is meant to reflect Alberta’s identity, pride and economic strength while showcasing one of the province’s most recognizable vistas.
Premier Danielle Smith said the result underscores how deeply Albertans connect with the province’s natural landscape. “Albertans know who we are and what we stand for. We are strong, free and resilient, and Moraine Lake represents that spirit,” she said. “People around the world know this view, and Albertans chose it themselves.”
Smith added that the motto’s placement on the plate “reminds the rest of Canada who we are as a province and the role we play within a united country.”
Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said the strong turnout in the vote shows how invested residents are in the symbols that represent them. “Having Moraine Lake on our plates is something we can all be proud to show off,” he said. “Albertans made this choice together, and it captures the beauty and energy of our province.”
Nally said the government heard widespread support for a design “that looked unmistakably Albertan,” and Moraine Lake rose to the top throughout all three voting rounds. “People wanted something iconic, something you could spot instantly,” he said.
Albertans who want to switch early can pay a voluntary $28 fee when the plates become available. Those renewing registrations after the rollout can receive the new plate at no extra cost, and older plates may continue to be used if they remain in good condition.
The current plate was introduced in 1984, although Alberta began transitioning to reflective versions of that design in 2021. The new plate also incorporates reflective technology to improve visibility for law enforcement and automated systems and to meet international standards for readability and counterfeit resistance.
Comments