Parks Canada to create expert panel to advise on sustainable travel within Banff National Park

ParksCanadawill establish an expert panel to advise on the development of a long-term framework for visitors to move sustainably within the Bow Valley in Banff NationalPark, the agency announced on Tuesday.

Each year, more than8.3 million vehicles travel intoBanff NationalPark, either to visit or to travel on to other destinations, Parks Canada said in a press release.

Over the past decade, overall trafficwithin the park has increasedby 30 per cent. Some specific roadsincluding those leading to Lake Louise and Moraine Lakehave seen increases of up to 70 per cent. During busy times, access to Moraine Lake is restricted to shuttles.

To ensure that ecological integrity, biodiversity and conservation are priorities, the panel will be asked to reconsider transportation methods and networks, the release said.

"There is an opportunity now to develop a new vision and transform the way that people access and move through the Bow Valley in Banff NationalPark," Ron Hallman, the president and CEO of ParksCanada, was quoted as saying.

"With the creation of an expert panel,ParksCanadaseeks to create the conditions for future success by ensuring that new knowledge, new ideas and new evidence inform our important workas an international leader in protected areas management."

The panelwill also advise on the use of renewable energy and waste reduction, and consult onproviding mobility options to visitors and residents.

ParksCanada said it will engage Indigenous partners, key stakeholders and the public to develop "terms of reference" for the expert panel, andseek members with expertise in areas such asprotected area management, transportation and tourism.