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LETTER: Bow Valley Parkway should remain open to vehicles

Editor: Banff National Park – like all of Canada's national parks – is a source of grandeur and enjoyment, which is now being threatened by a proposal by Parks Canada regarding the Bow Valley Parkway.

Editor:

Banff National Park – like all of Canada's national parks – is a source of grandeur and enjoyment, which is now being threatened by a proposal by Parks Canada regarding the Bow Valley Parkway.

Parks Canada is considering banning cars and buses from fully one-third of the 48-kilometre parkway linking the Town of Banff and Lake Louise every day in May, June, September and October. With this plan, cyclists will be the only ones who will benefit.

Cycling during the inclement weather of these months is potentially dangerous. This scenic route is already closed yearly to visitors from March 1 to June 25 from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. for the benefit of animals. This proposal could lead towards a complete closure and exploit the Bow Valley Parkway restriction because of COVID-19.

Paying Visitors need to trusted and allowed to choose the mode of visitation that best meets their requirements. Turning it into a little more than a private glorified bike path discriminates against many national park visitors.

The community must raise its voice and tell Parks Canada the closure is not wanted. The community has until Sept. 9, which is the final day the agency will accept public comment. People can email [email protected] or by mail to the Banff Superintendent at Box 900 in Banff, Alta at T1L 1K2.

Julie Swan,

Banff

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