Lake Louise Ski Resort expansion: Parks Canada looks for feedback

Lake Louise Ski Resort unveiled development plans today that would see more lifts, more hills and more skiers on a smaller piece of land.

This is the first time the leasehold agreement has been amended since the 1980s at the popular ski resort west of Calgary. At that time the ski hill was meant to accommodate 6,000 visitors a day, but now it could hold up to 11,500 visitors.

"It's not so much the point of needing to expand but more the need to be prepared to expand when the time and should the market demand for that," said Dan Markham, a spokesperson for the Lake Louise Ski Resort. 

The plan also purposes a new year-round lodge at the top of Whitehorn Mountain.

In return, Parks Canada would take back some land to help preserve the habitat of grizzly bears and other wildlife.

"For us anything that improves the understanding and connection of the place thorough experiences, like being able to view wildlife, is very important," said Parks Canada spokesperson Melanie Kwong. 

Rod Wallace was a Parks Canada warden for 35 years and began fighting to preserve Lake Louise back in the '70s when he was still in university. He says the Harper government seems to view national parks as revenue sources.

"There is no way it is justified in any way, in my mind. Any further development is against parks policy and if these bureaucrats that are pushing this, including right up to the cabinet and Mr. Harper, would recognize that the national park is set up for preservation."

Parks is seeking feedback from the public until June 21. The plans are available online and there will be three upcoming open houses from 6-8 p.m. MT.

• Canada Olympic Park in Calgary on June 10. 
• Banff Park Lodge on June 11.
• Lake Louise Inn on June 12.

People can also submit comments to opinion@pc.gc.ca.