BANFF, ALBERTA, August 10, 2006 -- Today, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, applauded the collaborative leadership of the Lands Adjacent to the Town of Banff (LATB) Advisory Group and other key partners for their collective efforts towards facilitating memorable experiences and educational opportunities, while protecting the park for future generations.
"Since the inception of the 1997 Management Plan, Banff National Park of Canada has been a leader in involving stakeholders and integrating diverse perspectives," said Minister Ambrose. "I would like to take the opportunity to publicly thank members of the LATB Advisory Group for their contributions and commitment. This is the type of stakeholder dedication and passion we see in Banff National Park of Canada - and throughout Canada's system of national parks and national historic sites - which assists Parks Canada in being a stronger and more effective steward of this precious place."
The proposed LATB Strategy utilized a 15-member advisory group, representing a cross-section of park users. Over a three-year period, the group sought consensus on recommendations to improve ecological conditions and opportunities for memorable experiences, as well as increasing public appreciation and understanding of both the area's opportunities and ecological sensitivities.
The LATB Advisory Group has recently submitted their recommendations to Parks Canada, including proposals to improve the Vermilion Lakes and Lake Minnewanka roads, modernize facilities at popular day use areas, expand the trail system and provide safer highway and railway crossings. Parks Canada will now review the proposals and submit recommendations to the Minister as a potential amendment to the Banff National Park Management Plan.
"The LATB Advisory Group is just one example of the innovative, collaborative initiatives underway in Banff National Park of Canada, which contribute to Parks Canada's delivery of its mandate of protection, education and providing memorable visitor experiences," added Minister Ambrose. "The dedication and innovative efforts of our partners continues to serve as powerful tools in protecting, preserving and presenting Canada's natural and cultural heritage for this and future generations."
Highlights of other collaborative initiatives underway in Banff include:
·The recently announced $2.4 million Banff EcoIntegrity Project to engage regional, repeat visitors in interacting with and learning about the ecology of our national parks with a focus on the themes of health, connection and participation.
·The Banff Centre, with support from Parks Canada, has launched the Bow Valley Mountain Forum web portal, which provides an online meeting place for individuals and groups who have an interest in sustainable communities, social and economic issues, conservation and the environment.
·The Friends of Banff National Park continues to assist in increasing awareness and appreciation of the park's natural and cultural heritage. Through innovative programming, such as a local Banff radio station that reaches over one million people, the Friends provide valuable educational opportunities that inspire environmental stewardship.
·The Town of Banff has been nationally recognized for its innovative work. Recently it won an award for the Banff Community Plan's public engagement process. It also has received the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Community Award for Community Energy Management. The Town's Visitor Experience Coordinator is now leading an initiative to enhance municipal service delivery by focusing on improved visitor experience.
The work of the LATB Advisory Group and our other partners in advancing these initiatives in Banff National Park of Canada exemplifies the powerful benefits that collaborative leadership offers in terms of achieving our shared goals in national parks and at national historic sites across the country.
Banff National Park of Canada is part of a system of national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites that is recognized as one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world. Parks Canada works to ensure Canada's cultural and natural heritage are presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future.
Information:
Ryan Sparrow
Associate Director and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Marjorie Huculak
Executive Services and Media Relations
Banff Field UnitParks Canada
(403) 762-1526
