WATCH ABOVE: Parks Canada has come up with a new blueprint for development at Lake Louise Ski resort. Carolyn Kury De Castillo reports.
CALGARY – Parks Canada has announced a new blueprint for development at Lake Louise Ski Resort aimed at balancing expansion with protecting the environment. Visitors will be happy to know that it could mean a new lift, a new lodge and more parking.
The ski hill is one of the biggest attractions in Banff National Park, but the last time it’s seen any kind of expansion was a new lift in 2003.
“The challenges that we start to see, the access to the parking on a really busy day—and we have a number of those throughout the season—we do think at times it is stretched to the limit,” said Lake Louise Ski Resort’s Dan Markham.
Parks Canada has put out a draft plan for future development in Lake Louise to ensure the hill remains a sustainable business, while at the same time protecting environmentally-sensitive areas.
“This represents a major step in future developments and limits to growth for the ski area,” said Parks Canada Lake Louise Superintendent Melanie Kwong. “It’s been a long time coming.”
The plan involves Lake Louise ski hill handing over 30 per cent of its lease area. In exchange, the owners can increase capacity to 11,500. Currently, a busy day sees up to 8,000 skiers. A new lift would be permitted, as well as more parking and a new day lodge.
Environmental groups hope people take advantage of the public input process, which goes until June 21.
“All Canadians should get involved in the fate of the national parks,” said Anne-Marie Syslak, with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. “These are our national treasures and so I encourage everyone to read what’s being proposed and provide comments to Parks Canada.”
Some of the changes that are being proposed may not be put in place for five to 10 years, depending on approval and market demand.
Parks Canada is hosting several open houses on the proposed plan, including one in Calgary on June 10 at Canada Olympic Park (COP).
For more information on the changes and the public input process, visit Parks Canada here.
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