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Letter: Canada parks are for the enjoyment of Canadians

Don't be fooled by the language of Sarah Elmeligi on how to manage our parks.which were created for THE ENJOYMENT OF THE CANADIAN PEOPLE and not as wildlife refuges.
letter-to-the-editor
Don't be fooled by the language of Sarah Elmeligi on how to manage our parks.which were created for THE ENJOYMENT OF THE CANADIAN PEOPLE and not as wildlife refuges.
For the last 20 or so years, in my opinion, the Parks Administration has tried to discourage visiting our Parks. The fees were jacked up—  no more significantly lower fees for seniors. The Lake Louise Chateau famous for its poppies could not get a permit to improve the hotel unless they promised to plant only native flowers on their property. Expensive overpasses for wildlife were built with exaggerated claims of usage. I am still waiting for credible evidence that large herds of elk or dear were using them either by day or by night. While all that money was spent on overpasses, the road to Edith Cavell was nearly impassible for years because of the huge potholes. In my opinion, the Campgrounds in Jasper and Banff were substandard for years while at the same time fees went up and maintenance was minimal. Since 1972 when I moved to Calgary, I hiked all the popular routes in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper without ever encountering a bear. Then suddenly signs went up advising hikers that they were bin "Bear Country" and had to hike in groups. 80 percent of all visitors stay on the paved highway or in designated sights or towns. They are not intruding or threatening wildlife. On the contrary, in my opinion, wildlife is invading our area when bears cougars and elk show up in Banff or Jasper. Another gondola or parking area will not have much impact on wildlife. I do not have a PhD like  Sarah Elmeligi but I can see were we are heading.
Hans G Kusche Cochrane
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