Banff tourism officers have joined the decision for higher administration of customer site visitors in essentially the most visited components of the nationwide park.
In a doc outlining its growth plans for the following decade, Banff and Lake Louise Tourism says it needs to cut back dangerous site visitors congestion by way of improved public transportation and fewer personal automobiles.
“It is a precedence,” stated CEO Leslie Bruce. “Personal car site visitors is likely one of the greatest single challenges when it comes to our congestion and our capability to be sustainable.”
Managing elevated visitation in Banff Nationwide Park is turning into a significant park challenge. Site visitors to Lake Louise, one of many park’s hottest websites, has elevated 71 % prior to now decade and its parking tons are full 24 hours a day.
Parks Canada not too long ago launched its personal report calling for extra mass transit within the Lake Louise space. It additionally closed the street to Moraine Lake, close to Lake Louise, to non-public automobiles — a transfer that drew criticism from the Alberta authorities.
However Bruce’s group, which heard from greater than 2,000 residents and labored with Parks Canada and the city of Banff, concluded that extra public transit and fewer vehicles are wanted.
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“The discussions we’re having are associated to dependable and bookable service to the locations individuals come from everywhere in the world to see,” she stated.
These companies don’t have to be motorized both.
“Are there dependable bike lanes?” Bruce requested. “Are there methods for individuals to get there with out getting right into a motorcar?”
Bruce welcomed Parks Canada’s latest announcement of $71 million for infrastructure within the mountain parks, together with cash for enhancements in Lake Louise.
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The tourism group additionally has different objectives, together with educating guests to respect the wilderness they go to – each the animals that reside there and the land itself.
“I’ve by no means labored in a task the place I’ve needed to discuss a lot about human waste and I do not imply rubbish,” Bruce stated. “We actually wish to educate our friends this worth of nature, which incorporates choosing up after your self and giving wildlife some area.”
Bruce stated the tourism group believes tourism in Banff must be higher managed, not simply larger.
“This isn’t a plan for an increasing number of and extra guests.”
In a press release from spokeswoman Kira Tyron, Parks Canada welcomed the adoption of the tourism group’s plan.
“The imaginative and prescient demonstrates the shared dedication that Indigenous peoples, group, companies and stakeholders need to the long-term sustainability of Banff Nationwide Park for generations to come back,” it stated. “We sit up for continued affiliation with Banff and Lake Louise Tourism.”
© 2023 The Canadian Press
