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News Releases
MINISTER AMBROSE ANNOUNCES PROJECT TO MINIMIZE ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT IN WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK OF CANADA
WATERTON PARK, ALBERTA, May 23, 2006 -- On behalf of The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. Rick Casson, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, today announced a $395,100 salt/sand storage building project, which will see a reduction in the impact of park operations on the environment of Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada.
“This project will lead to a meaningful reduction of the ecological footprint of operational park activities on important wildlife habitat in Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada,” Minister Ambrose said. “Parks Canada is leading by example, showing environmental stewardship in reducing the impact of necessary facilities on the environment.”
The construction of a new salt/sand storage building at the Parks Operations Compound is part of a commitment in the Waterton Lakes National Park Management Plan to move the Park Storage Area from the Blakiston Creek alluvial fan to the government compound, and restore the disturbed site. This project is the culmination of a three-year program to consolidate sand, salt, and aggregate within the Parks operations area, and effectively store it so it is no longer affecting wildlife.
“Projects such as this demonstrate Parks Canada’s commitment to environmental stewardship, and reinforce its position as a world leader in heritage conservation,” said Mr. Casson. “This project sets an example for governments, organizations and individuals across the country to follow.”
With the removal of all operational park activities from the former Park Storage Area, the site will be rehabilitated and native plants restored. This will help reduce the spread of invasive plants into adjacent areas, and will increase wildlife habitat.
Public Works and Government Services Canada has awarded the competitive contract to Reid Atwood Construction. Construction is slated for completion in June 2006. Funding for this project comes from the normal operating budget of Waterton Lakes National Park.
Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada, along with Glacier National Park in Montana on its southern border, protects a unique internationally significant ecosystem. Established as the world’s first international peace park in 1932, Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1995.
Information:
Ryan Sparrow
Associate Director and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Rod Blair
Field Unit Superintendent
Waterton Lakes Field Unit
Parks Canada
(403) 859-5116
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