Manitoba Wildlands  
Hotel Proposed in Jasper National Park 11 April 14

Maligne Lake
Source: malignelake.com
A lodge, proposed on the shores of Maligne Lake, the iconic crystal blue gem of Jasper National Park, has three former Parks Canada executive staff urging the federal government to stop the construction. In an open letter to the Minister of Environment, Nikita Lopoukhine, Stephen Woodley and Kevin Van Tighem argue that opening a 66-room hotel on the lake goes against Parks Canada's ecological integrity policy of limiting development in protected park zones. The three experts also identify the implications this potential approval could have for future development.

Maligne Lake, the world's second largest glacier fed lake, already experiences heavy tourist traffic due to its pristine natural beauty, however, all tourists must leave the lake by 5 PM. Maligne Tours states this hotel would allow for fuller enjoyment of the lake's beauty and would "enhance" the Maligne Lake experience. The trio of former Parks Canada experts advocate this large development would jeopardize exactly what the tourists come to see – undisturbed beauty and an abundance of wildlife. Sensitive species in the area include harlequin ducks, caribou and grizzly bear.

A spokesperson for the Minister of the Environment indicated Parks Canada is reviewing the request to open Maligne Lake to the development, but no decision has been made.

View April 9, 2014 The Globe and Mail article
View April 9, 2014 CTV News article
View April 9, 2014 CBC News article
View April 9, 2014 Huffington Post article

Source: The Globe and Mail
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Manitoba Wildlands2002-2014