Dear Editor,
The Brewster Glacier Skywalk went through despite all the opposition to it. It is up and it will be open to a fee-paying public within months. That project planted the seed of cynicism in my mind.
I now question whether my government and its institutions are actually protecting our national parks and the animals within their boundaries. The pursuit of money appears to be winning out over the preservation of our last wild spaces. Our special sanctuaries, our national parks, are not being protected.
This week I attended a Maligne Tours presentation at the Lobstick Lodge. About 70 people attended. Maligne Tours is proposing a 66-bed cabin/hotel complex at the head of pristine Maligne Lake.
Parks Canada is seriously entertaining the idea! I am gob-smacked! An architect has been hired. The money is waiting to be spent. Shareholders rub their hands together gleefully.
My growing cynicism tells me some back room deal has already been struck鈥hese presentations are just a charade.
Pioneers from the past; Mary Schaeffer, Curly Phillips and Bill Ruddy are having their names woven into the magical reasons for erecting such a structure. I wish I could raise them from the grave and hear what they really would have to say about this! The presenters say it has something to do with enhancing the tourist experience.
Today I have attended my first ever Jasper Environmental Association meeting. I felt compelled to do so. I doubt my ability to be heard. Perhaps by joining forces with other like-minded people we can stop this mad proposal from actually going through.
Will our voices register with those in positions to stop this? I will be giving it my ALL. Corny though it may sound, I have an obligation to the earth, its animals and my children鈥檚 children鈥檚 children to register my opposition to further development within our national parks.
鈥淵ou don鈥檛 know what you鈥檝e got 鈥檛il it鈥檚 gone,鈥� Joni Mitchell.
Nancy Addison
Newest member of the Jasper Environmental Association
Jasper, Alta.
