BANFF – Is visiting the secret cave worth a $2,500 fine?
Those were the harsh, but wise words from a provincial judge last fall, after two individuals from Calgary were fined for entering a closed area along Johnston Canyon trail in Banff National Park.
The Calgary pair both said "no," as they pleaded guilty and were fined $1,250 each.
That was one of more than 70 cases that went through Canmore Provincial Court last year, as individuals were charged under the Canada National Parks Act for entering a closed area, placing further stress on an already endangered species – black swifts that nest in the canyon each spring.
"I think too often it is forgotten that the national parks exists to preserve our wild habitats first and foremost – they don't exist solely for the benefit of visitors," said Crown prosecutor Jeremy Newton, who sought charges on a number of cases last year.
"The Johnston Canyon closure is vital if we are going to take seriously our obligation to protect endangered species in the national parks."
- RELATED: Entering closed area at Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park for photo costs couple $1,250 each
The area was officially closed again on Friday (May 1) until Nov. 15, by order of the park's superintendent, to ensure safety for endangered nesting black swift pairs.
The well-known spot features what locals and visitors call, the "secret cave," which lies off the designated trail and is a popular location for social media photographs. It was officially closed for the first time in 2018, as Parks Canada realized the area along the trail was an important fledging and nesting site for this specific species of bird.
Historically, there would be upwards to 20 nesting pairs in the area, but in recent years, researchers have only recorded one or two nesting pairs.
Designated as an endangered species in 2015, after being assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), the closure is also in place to prevent erosion, trampling and disturbance of sensitive ground and riparian vegetation – and to support the safety of visitors within a canyon environment.
"It is also for the protection of the public that they stay out of the closed area, as it is not regularly patrolled or maintained, so if something goes wrong, help may not arrive in time," Newton said.
Last year, Parks Canada installed more than 30 signs along the path warning hikers that travel is prohibited and noting violators could be charged under the Canada National Parks Act.
The popular hiking trail is located approximately 38 kilometres from the Banff townsite, along Highway 1A.
Multiple visitors were still charged with going off trail and putting the endangered birds at further risk. All fine revenues were directed to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF).
In order to survive in this area, black swifts need protection from human disturbances, the notice from Parks Canada stated.
The closure is active from the lower trail sign to the Ink Pots/Moose Meadows junction. The maximum fine for individuals charged under the Canada National Parks Act is $25,000.
