Brewster is proposing to build a multi-million dollar suspended glass floor observation platform overlooking the spectacular Sunwapta Valley in a bid to lure more tourists.
The observation platform would perch 30 metres out over the stunning valley at the Tangle Ridge Viewpoint, about six kilometres north of the Columbia Icefields on the scenic Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park.
The proposal drew criticism from some environmentalists who claim it’s an eyesore on the natural landscape, but praise from a business group as a great new tourist attraction.
If all goes according to plan, Brewster would like to begin construction of the $10 million to $12 million project this year, to open in May 2012.
Brewster officials say their proposal will have little effect on the environment, and will improve wildlife and road safety at what they call a “derelict parking lot” at the existing viewpoint.
“It’s a great reason for a family from Edmonton or Calgary to come and drive five hours, because there’s more things for them to do,” said Michael Hannan, Brewster’s president.
“People have a profound desire to protect national parks when they’ve had a profound experience. That’s something they’re not getting when they’re just rubbernecking and driving by.”
Under the proposal, private vehicles would be banned from the existing viewpoint, but people could take a free 6.5-km bus ride from Brewster’s Glacier Discovery Centre at the Icefields.
They could still take in the sights from the existing viewpoint for free, although it will be upgraded and interpretive information will be provided.
But for an admission fee, they could take an interpretive stroll led by a professional guide along a new 400-metre walkway. The final stop would be a glass-floored observation platform.
At present, the viewpoint is a 500-metre long pull-out on the west side of the Icefields Parkway. It includes low stone walls, a chain link fence and paved parking for about 60 vehicles.
Jim Pissot, executive director of WildCanada Conservation Alliance, said “blasting a trail in the side of mountain” and building an “obnoxious structure” shows an incredible lack of imagination.
It’s also worth noting, he said, that a similar structure was rejected in Grand Canyon National Park, although it ended up being built on tribal land adjacent to the park.
“We have arguably Canada’s most spectacular national park and they seem to want to dress it up with gimmicks and thrill-seeking opportunities, producing these little side shows instead of capitalizing appropriately on the main event of the park,” he said.
“It’s ludicrous to attempt to improve on a scenic vista within the park in the first place.”
Pissot said his main concern centres on the cumulative effects of all of the proposals coming from business interests to Parks Canada.
“We have opportunity in the park to celebrate what’s here and to celebrate tradition and to attract visitors with what is real and inspiring instead of all these side show events,” he said.
“Each one in themselves might not be terribly obnoxious, but we have dragon boat races, golf tournaments, via ferrata proposals and now a scenic overlook.”
The Association for Mountain Parks Protection and Enjoyment (AMPPE) welcomed news of the project.
“Creating new attractions in national parks is a good thing in terms of keeping product fresh,” said Monica Andreeff, AMPPE’s executive director.
“I think that it will help with the revitalization of the Icefields Parkway and give people more of a wow factor. It’s a wow anyway travelling along that road,” she said.
“We need to enhance visitor experience because of global competition; competition for tourism dollars across the world,” she said.
As well, Andreeff said the proposed project does not appear to have any significant environmental impacts because it’s on a previously disturbed site.
“Anything that you can bring to the table that isn’t going to impact the environment and will increase understanding of Parks Canada’s mandate, will leave people feeling more connected to the park.”
The next step for Brewster is to complete an environmental assessment of the project, which in this case will allow three weeks for the public to comment.
Parks Canada is the authority to approve or reject that environmental assessment, as well as make the final decision on the project.
Shawn Cardiff, manager of land use planning and policy for Jasper National Park, said the federal agency is willing to consider this proposal, but no decisions have been made.
“We’ve conducted a policy review and found it’s consistent with Parks Canada’s legal and policy framework,” he said.
