Alberta minister calls out Ottawa on Moraine Lake's no-parking policy
CTV
A provincial cabinet minister has called out the federal government about Parks Canada's decision to introduce restrictions on a popular hiking site in Banff National Park.
A provincial cabinet minister has called out the federal government about Parks Canada's decision to introduce restrictions on a popular hiking site in Banff National Park.
Todd Loewen, Alberta's minister of forestry, parks and tourism, released a statement about his disappointment with last week's decision to block all public parking at Moraine Lake.
Parks Canada said from now on, the only way for visitors to get to the area will be through shuttle buses, Roam Transit or by commercial carriers.
In his statement, Loewen said the decision will mean that fewer people will visit and will have less time to enjoy the natural area.
"Sunrise or sunset hikes or night photography are near impossible to achieve under this plan, unless people can afford to pay for commercial transport or travel unsafely by foot or bike in the dark," he wrote.
In its announcement last week, Parks Canada said it made the decision because of overcrowding in the parking lot and undue strain on staff members.
"It is probably the most popular destination in Banff National Park," said Jed Cochrane with Parks Canada during an interview with CTV News last week.
