As we often do, Rolande and I took a drive into Banff National Park today, destined for the Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic road that parallels the Trans-Canada Highway from Banff to Lake Louise. It’s a peaceful drive and a beautiful exposure to one of Canada’s many great national parks. We enjoy the natural surroundings and we’re rewarded from time to time with glimpses of the wildlife that inhabit the park.
The Parkway has been the subject of controversy for several years, pitting the views of some conservationists who would like to see the road closed permanently to shelter the wildlife from human exposure, and visitors who simply wish to enjoy the park. Parks Canada recently implemented a restriction that I believe strikes a reasonable balance between the opposing points of view. “Starting March 1, 2014, Parks Canada will begin a mandatory seasonal overnight travel restriction on the Bow Valley Parkway. To ensure the area remains a high quality home for wildlife, from March 1st to June 25th, travel by vehicle, bicycle, or foot is not permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. on the 17 kilometre section of the parkway between the Trans-Canada Highway/Bow Valley Parkway interchange and Johnston Canyon Campground.”
Looking at Parks Canada’s Mandate, it’s evident they have a responsibility to enable public access, while ensuring protection of the environment and the wildlife. We often feel things get out of balance, driven by the more extreme views. It’s good to see Parks Canada has reached a sensible accommodation of both viewpoints and put this particular issue to rest, at least for now.
We received an unexpected surprise today, a new and very prominent welcome. I think Parks Canada is making it abundantly clear that the Parkway remains open to the public. Bravo!
And to make our day complete, we did see some wildlife, some Bighorn Sheep grazing along the roadside. Hope we didn’t disturb them.
