Editor:
Sadly, Canmore residents will be giving up another easy access to fun recreation.
TransAlta has closed off parking beside the reservoir close to town. For years, I have paddled up there in my kayak, as it was a 5 minute drive from my home, with parking close to the water. The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in users and at times parking was overflowing. The worse part was people used the small patch of forest as a toilet, swam in our drinking water and allowed their dogs to swim as well.
While you cannot park close to the reservoir, you are still able for now to paddle on the reservoir. More people will park at the Nordic Centre and walk across the secondary highway. Otherwise, they will park at the already busy Grassi Lake trailhead. People will likely be dropping gear by the no parking signs before trying to find a parking spot and it seems like an accident waiting to happen.
I know life is not fair. However, as a long time Canmore resident I am frustrated with always having to give way to the almighty “visitor." I can no longer run up to the reservoir for a quick paddle. I can no longer get near Quarry Lake, I can no longer go to my favourite coffee shop and find a seat, I can no longer park near downtown, I can no longer access Elevation Place and I can no longer park for groceries. How many more things will be added to the list?
Marg Rees,
Canmore
