The government should say no to a proposed commercial development in one of Canada’s most scenic national parks, say three former Parks Canada managers. In a letter to Parks Canada, the three say allowing a private developer to build a 66-room hotel and 15 tent cabins in Jasper National Park in western Canadian Rocky Mountains would violate the government’s own policy on parks.
Parks Canada’s web page says “National Parks are a country-wide system of representative natural areas of Canadian significance. By law, they are protected for public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment, while being maintained in an unimpaired state for future generations.”
Previous development approved
That said, two years ago there was a similar controversy over a proposed aerial platform over Jasper’s Icefields Parkway. The project was eventually approved, built and it opens next month.
Kevin Van Tighem, one of the managers, says he has several concerns about the proposed hotel project, among them that the development would close the space off to the public.
Approval might set a precedent
“Why would we privatize one of the most beautiful public destinations in the park?” he said in an interview with the public broadcaster, CBC He and the other past managers are worried that approval might open the door to development in other national parks that would degrade the wilderness experience.
The park is home to grizzly bears, a dwindling caribou herd and harlequin ducks. It currently is only open to the public between 9am and 5pm.
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