Editor:
I am opposed to the construction of a gondola up Mount Lady Macdonald.
First and foremost, 93 per cent of the project footprint is within the Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park, which does not permit tourism attractions such as a gondola. The current regulations associated with this provincial land designation prioritize non-motorized recreation uses and the preservation and protection of natural areas. How can we allow a gondola? Once we start making exceptions, who knows what other developments will follow.
Secondly, a provincial park is for the enjoyment of all Canadians. This mountain is a popular hiking trail for thousands of people every year. They hike up it to enjoy the pristine beauty of the mountain. Why should one person or company be allowed to spoil that for their own gain, especially when it has been set aside as a park
The route would cross a designated habitat patch and an important wildlife corridor. This would obviously be detrimental to wildlife. Again, why would this be allowed when the wildlife corridor has already been designated for a purpose: to give the wildlife space to move along the valley. Every new development like this is one more nail in the coffin for wildlife.
As for food, beverage and retail outlets, we already have a proliferation of these in the valley bottom. Why on earth would we allow more of these to be built on the top of a mountain? This will absolutely and totally ruin this iconic mountain for all who choose to enjoy it in its natural state.
In the past, I have heard the developer say we need to do justice to these mountains. If he truly wants to do justice to these iconic mountains, then leave them alone, and protect them, just the way they are. They are perfectly beautiful, awesome and magnificent in their own natural setting. Nothing any human can do will improve them. We need to learn to leave nature alone. Every time we interfere with nature, we mess things up.
Please do not allow this development to take place.
Al Coats,
Black Diamond, Alberta (formerly of Canmore)
