Editor:
While visiting Canmore, I read Ms. Anita Bideh’s letter to the editor entitled Keep wildlife corridors wild (Nov. 21 RMO).
Ms. Bideh, perhaps you aren’t aware that for thousands of years, First Nations peoples had been forging trails through this valley, living amongst wildlife and hunting them for survival.
In the time before horses were introduced, we know they used domesticated dogs as pack animals to carry their belongings and pull their sleds. Today, people continue to live and recreate in and around these parts with or without their dogs and as far as I’ve seen, the wildlife hasn’t been impacted at all.
Canmore seems to have more than it’s fair share of “environmentally conscious” people, but to me many of them are practicing what I’d call “selective” environmentalism – happy to own big homes, drive big trucks and SUVs, but won’t hesitate to deride their fellow residents if any perceived “infraction” on public lands occurs.
My grandchildren used to enjoy playing and building harmless little forts just out back in the wildlife corridor adjoining their house. People would come by and tear them down, much to the children’s distress. A couple of years ago during our visit, a mountain bike trail above Silvertip was maliciously vandalized. All these things to me represented wholesome, fun outdoor activities and the wildlife comes and goes, oblivious to it all.
Ms. Bideh, you realize that as a new resident to Canmore, you’ve just added to the environmental impact of this valley. If you drive a car and use Canmore’s water, electrical and sewer systems, you too have become part of the problem.
Alfred E. Neuman,
Edmonton
