Editor: Regarding the proposed site guidelines for the Lake Louise Resort expansion.
It is our belief that Parks Canada and the Lake Louise Ski Resort area should be commended for successfully planning a very healthy 50-year expansion guideline.
I am a little distressed and confused regarding how the many environmental groups are envisioning this development of the Lake Louise ski area. This is a 50-year guideline only, as is stated. There will be many more meetings and guidelines proposed with discussion from all groups before each new development is permitted at this ski area, likely projection time would be 10 to 15 years. Again, this is a 50-year plan.
As Melanie Kwong, superintendent of Lake Louise, Yoho and Kootenay Parks explains in the guideline report, the land exchange represents a 30 per cent reduction in Lake Louise’s lease, or equivalent to 669 hectares. If this full expansion of the proposed Lake Louise area was to happen in future decades – key words future decades – it would compromise less than one per cent of the Banff National Park. Actually, it is only 0.16 per cent.
Parks are for the people. We all agree that this land should be protected, but this area is developed, and has been since the 1950s, providing a beautiful mountain recreation spot for skiers, hikers, climbers etc. This guideline prepares everyone for how we better plan the Lake Louise resort for the future.
Tourism in the Banff and Lake Louise area is growing, as is the population of Alberta and Canada, and our international visitation. We know that oil and gas revenue is massively reduced right now, and will likely be in the future as technology develops sustainable energy.
Controlled planning of ski area land can provide a much-needed diversification, and significantly improve habitat for wildlife, as will be the case at Lake Louise.
This is a well-planned guideline report on long-term development of Lake Louise and area.
We believe that this guideline will accommodate reasonable, healthy growth in its planning, as well as provide necessary protection for flora and wildlife.
Heather Goodman,
Canmore
