Alberta’s Minister of Forests, Parks and Tourism is opposing Parks Canada’s decision to close access to Moraine Lake to those traveling by private vehicle.
In an open letter posted Monday on Twitter, Todd Loewen called on federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeau and Tourism Minister Randy Boisson to reconsider, look at other options and bring the Alberta government to the table to ensure that the province remains a world-renowned destination open to all.
“Alberta’s parks – both provincial and national – are the crown jewels of the province, and Albertans and visitors deserve full access to enjoy their benefits,” he said in the letter. “Parks Canada’s decision to block personal vehicles at Moraine Lake means fewer visitors to this important part of the province.”
Parks are for the people here in Alberta. See my attached statement regarding the federal government’s decision to block personal use vehicles at Moraine Lake. pic.twitter.com/rzD9FZTcFM
—@dtloewen
Parks Canada has limited access to the lake for its buses, Roam Transit, commercial buses and taxis from June to mid-October. The road was already closed to traffic during the long winter season.
In response to Loewen’s letter, Parks Canada provided a statement on Monday. The organization writes that most visitors to Moraine Lake are turned away, leading to frustration and sometimes anger directed at traffic management staff.
“Beginning in 2018, Parks Canada has had to actively manage the increasing amount of traffic on Moraine Lake Road,” the statement said. “Whereas in previous years traffic management was done between sunrise and sunset, in 2022 traffic signals will be required 24 hours a day to manage the increasing demand for access to the lake.”
During peak hours in the summer of 2022, the car park was at capacity almost 24 hours a day. Parks wrote that about 900 vehicles accessed the lake on a daily basis, while approximately 5,000 were turned away.
“Other options based on continued private vehicle access were considered, including reservable parking spaces,” the statement read. “However, demand for parking so far exceeds parking capacity and available space for vehicles and parking management that these options offer fewer benefits than switching to a shuttle system.”
Moraine Lake is among the most visited destinations in Canada, according to Parks Canada. And many who wanted to walk, explore or photograph the beautiful lake and surrounding mountains woke up in the middle of the night to secure a parking space.
Although the popular destination is outside the jurisdiction of the City of Banff, Mayor Corey DiManno welcomed Parks Canada’s move.
“I’m sure they thought very carefully about a situation that was getting out of hand,” Di Mano said. “I applaud the effort there.”
The city will now be watching closely for any implications for the town of Banff, where Roam has established a transportation hub. Di Manno pointed out that buses run from Banff for a direct route to Moraine Lake during the larch season and she is open to further discussions.
“It’s about the need to change in order to stay the same,” Di Mano said. “So protecting our environment will mean changing our behavior when it comes to how we access and enjoy this very special place.” And so for me it’s really about mass transit.”
Many online bemoaned the change, saying it would remove access to sunrise hikes.
“Sunrise and sunset hikes or night photography are nearly impossible to achieve under this plan unless people can afford to pay for commercial transportation or travel dangerously on foot or bike in the dark,” Lowen notes in his letter. .
Some dog owners worry that transportation services won’t include their furry friends. Parks Canada’s visitor information page states that pets are allowed on the shuttle provided it is “packaged in a secure and clean basket designed and intended to carry animals that is small enough to fit on the owner’s lap “.
Parks Canada has promised to monitor these changes, including the pricing of commercial transportation options, and make adjustments if necessary.
Due to safety concerns and negative experiences caused by the 24-hour search for parking, personal vehicles will not be allowed on Moraine Lake Road in the summer of 2023.
Access will be provided by Parks Canada Shuttle, Roam Transit, commercial buses and taxis
Details pic.twitter.com/LNrapSeLyt
— @BanffNP
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