Skip to content

LETTER: Issues on transparency in recent advertisement in paper

Editor: I am writing to you concerning a third-quarter page advertisement posted in last week’s Rocky Mountain Outlook on page 11 which, in a somewhat alarming tone, warned against closing the Bow Valley Parkway to vehicle traffic. While nothing in the

Editor:

I am writing to you concerning a third-quarter page advertisement posted in last week’s Rocky Mountain Outlook on page 11 which, in a somewhat alarming tone, warned against closing the Bow Valley Parkway to vehicle traffic.

While nothing in the ad was clearly wrong, there are numerous points made that can easily be disputed. My question though is: shouldn’t an ad that is clearly advocating a certain position also clearly identify who the advocate is?

The ad implies it comes from a group called P A R T. Who is this group? What are their credentials? Do they also have a vested interest?

I think this is very important to know as it helps to inform people’s opinions. I have no hesitation in saying that as the owner of a local tour company – White Mountain Adventures – that offers e-biking tours on the Bow Valley Parkway, I do have a vested interest in this.

I recognize there are valid reasons for keeping the parkway open to vehicle traffic. I’m of the opinion though, beyond my own vested interest, the positive reasons to close the parkway during the summer months to vehicular traffic far outweigh the negative ones, such as the positive environmental impact, the positive health benefits, and the benefits to Banff restaurants, hotels, and rental companies, from the hundreds of cyclists using the road daily.

I’ll be happy to debate this with anyone – if I know who they are.


Gordon Stermann,

Canmore

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks