A broad-based group of those concerned with commercial activities in Canada’s national parks have launched an official campaign to raise awareness of the issue across the country.
Recent commercial project approvals in Banff and Jasper national parks like the Glacier Skywalk and ski area guideline approvals for Lake Louise Ski Hill have spurred those concerned that public spaces are being threatened by privatization to launch Fight for Your Parks on Wednesday (Sept. 16).
“My family has been involved with Banff National Park throughout the park’s entire history,” said Harvey Locke, a Banff resident and globally recognized authority on national parks. “In 1996 I was appointed by the Minister of Canadian Heritage to advise on the Banff National Park Management Plan that set a balanced framework in place to protect the park and provide a first-class experience for visitors. I am appalled that a recent surge in commercial development approvals threatens the rules that keep development under control and protect nature in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
A range of conservation groups, individuals and business owners have signed on to rally under the banner Fight For Your Parks including the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Yellowstone to Yukon, Alberta Wilderness Association, Wildsight, Jasper Environmental Association, Wild Canada Conservation Alliance, scientists, First Nations, and former Parks Canada staff.
“When I was superintendent of Banff National Park, we consulted Canadians in preparation for the 2010 management plan,“ said Kevin Van Tighem, a career Parks Canada employee who retired as Superintendent of Banff National Park in 2011. “Over 1000 Canadians participated; none of them called for more commercial development and a lot of them expressed concern about there being too much.”
The campaign aims to shine a light on the issue and work towards the following outcomes: a reversal of the last-minute approval of Lake Louise Ski Resort’s massive expansion; a return to the longstanding policy that no new lands will be released for commercial development in our national parks; a return to honouring the National Parks Act’s emphasis on putting nature (ecological integrity) first in all our national parks; and a commitment that legally protected wilderness in our national parks will stay that way forever.
Fight For Your Parks insists that the dedication clause of our National Parks Act be honoured in spirit and in law by Parks Canada.
“The national parks of Canada are hereby dedicated to the people of Canada for their benefit, education and enjoyment, subject to this Act and the regulations, and the parks shall be maintained and made use of so as to leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” – Canada’s National Parks Act
