An ice climber fined for not having a camping permit in Banff National Park twice over the past several months says the reservation system Parks Canada uses isn’t flexible enough for his needs.
Sebastian Taborszky told Provincial Court Judge Les Grieve that when ice climbing, the variables are so touch-and-go that he is unable to get a permit in time for trips he has made.
“I cannot get a permit today for tomorrow,” he said.
Grieve, however, told the outdoor recreation hobbyist he should think about changing pastimes if he can’t do them legally.
“There are rules in place and I don’t ice climb, so I don’t know all the rules, but if it is important for you to comply with the regulations, then you may need a new sport,” he said.
Federal Crown prosecutor Anita Szabo told court that Taborszky came to the attention of wardens with Parks Canada on Nov. 17, 2016 when an online discussion claimed that he and another climber – Maarten van Haeren – had made several first ascents ice climbing near Caldron Lake in the Icefields Parkway area north of Lake Louise.
Szabo said photographs included in an online post, on Gripped.com, showed a tent and to camp in that location a permit is needed.
“None had been issued to either individual,” Szabo told the judge.
The second incident, she said, occurred at the end of December, when Taborszky attempted to book four nights at the Bryant Creek shelter, but was only given a reservation for three nights beginning on Dec. 24.
Szabo said he showed up with a group on Dec. 23 without a permit and found the shelter occupied by a couple that had a permit to stay at the backcountry accommodation.
Szabo said Taborszky set up camp nearby and the next morning he argued with the occupants of the shelter about when they were going to check out. Szabo said there are no check in and check out times at the Bryant Creek shelter and a complaint was made to wardens about the altercation.
The Crown said Taborszky was cooperative when questioned by wardens about both incidents and recommended fines of $150 and $250 for the two incidents.
