Banff- Since 1981, Lake Louise Ski Resort has not altered its use plan with Parks Canada.
That is all about to change.
New developments, proposed by the Alberta ski area, are pushing for an expansion with an environmentally centered twist. In a swap, Lake Louise would return 30% of its leasehold to Banff National Park in exchange for the ability to expand access into backcountry terrain along West Bowl and Richardson’s Ridge. According to Melanie Kwong, who currently serves as the Superintendent for Lake Louise, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, “This proposal really represents a major achievement in creating long-term certainty and sustainability for Banff National Park.” The proposed return would allow Banff national parks to absorb wilderness land permanently and thus preserve an area that is already vital to native species such as Grizzly Bear and Lynx.
However environmental groups are still reviewing the proposal, which includes expanding skiable terrain, creating more parking, building a new reservoir, and creating a new lodge on Eagle’s Ridge.
Lake Louise officials are focusing on developing some of the backcountry terrain closer to the ski area. Developments could include adding access to West Bowl, Hidden Bowl, Richardson’s Ridge, and West Juniper to the skiing and riding public.
In addition to the ski terrain, resort officials hope to build a new reservoir in order to reduce intake from local streams during snow making season, create a larger parking area to accommodate more guests, and construct a new lodge to take pressure off valley-dwelling species.
The proposal is open for public comment until midnight on June 21. You can email your comments to opinion@pc.gc.ca
