Controversial glacier project in Jasper National Park wins approval

A controversial glacier-walk project in Alberta's Jasper National Park has been given a green light.

Environment Minister Peter Kent announced the approval for the Glacier Discovery Walk in Ottawa on Thursday.

Brewster Travel Canada plans to build a multimillion-dollar interpretive boardwalk and a glass-bottomed observation point 30 metres over the Sunwapta Valley on the Icefields Parkway north of Banff.

The minister said the project will be built largely on an existing parking lot and won't disrupt the local ecology.

He said Parks Canada will monitor the project for any environmental problems.

“The government of Canada's determination was made following a robust and inclusive review process, which included open houses, extensive consultation with the public and aboriginal stakeholders and careful consideration of public comments under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act,” Mr. Kent told a news conference.

Opponents raised a number of environmental concerns, but Kent said he isn't worried about ecological fallout.

“As a world leader in conservation, Parks Canada would not approve this project if there were environmental concerns that could not be addressed,” he said.

Mr. Kent predicted the project will eventually become an iconic tourism destination.

Brewster president Michael Hannan said his company has an impeccable environmental record and more than a century of experience.

“Brewster Travel Canada has been guiding and interpreting the mountain national parks to Canadians for over 120 years and over that time we've built a solid reputation for providing meaningful, world-renowned, Canadian national park experiences,” he said.

Hannan said the sweeping, 400-metre boardwalk and observation platform is an award-winning designed that will give visitors a unique experience.

Original Article
Source: Globe 
Author: The Canadian Press