Long Range Plan provides boost in tourism offer for Banff National Park

Banff National Park, Alberta, May 21, 2013 -- The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister Responsible for Parks Canada, today approved the Mount Norquay 2013 Long Range Plan. The plan sets out actions intended to return important wildlife habitat to Parks Canada’s direct management, while enhancing and broadening the national park experience for visitors to the ski area.

“The approval of the Mount Norquay 2013 Long Range Plan is a watershed event for national park ski areas,” said Minister Kent. “This is the first new Long Range Plan for a national park-based ski area since 1989, and is the product of years of hard work and extensive consultation with the Canadian public.”

Long Range Plans are required for all national park ski areas and outline the ski area’s development and operation for a five to 15-year period. Key elements of the Mount Norquay 2013 Long Range Plan include:
o Installing cable-assisted hiking and climbing routes (popularly known as via ferrata), and reopening of an upper mountain teahouse and observation area for summer use;
o Improving winter use through new ski runs, glading, ski run widening, and modifications to a terrain park; and
o Improving habitat in the area, including closing and restoring a ski run in an important wildlife corridor, and implementing a “Firesmart” vegetation plan.

“Our approach to ski area planning recognizes that downhill ski areas are the cornerstone of winter tourism in the Mountain Parks and represent significant attractions in Alberta,” continued Minister Kent. “Long Range Plans provide certainty for ski area operators, and support memorable experiences for visitors, while protecting the ecological integrity of the park.”

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people from around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.

For more information on Banff National Park, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca

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Information:
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
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