Editor:
As an old Banff resident from the 1980’s and growing up in Calgary, I always love my annual visits to the Bow Valley and its beauty, picking up the local paper, and seeing new stories, and debates new and old.
The current Banff Ave. pedestrian zone issue is an interesting one and my views on it mirror comments in a letter to the editor from my old acquaintance and legendary park warden Rick Kunelius from the July 18 edition of the Outlook stating, “the town is intended to function as a visitor centre and not an attraction itself.”
The pedestrian-only feature, although appealing for pedestrians, seems to be an attraction that only serves to further exacerbate the traffic gridlock the town endures. I can imagine the grief and anger of first responders and locals who live on the residential streets where traffic is diverted to. Crazy.
It seems like Canmore is seeing a similar version downtown, too, that will only worsen when I hear of some 15,000 more residences being built in the area of Three Sisters. Yikes. I suppose the lure of the almighty dollar wins.
The Lake Louise user issue has no perfect solution. It seems a full closure and shuttle only is inevitable, similar to the current Moraine Lake closure to lessen the gridlock and impact on the park. Maybe locals and staff can secure a residency permit that allows them access, and hotel guests will attain permits as well.
And then there is the housing issue in the valley. Pretty much the same story that was being debated in the 80s and since, but that’s another letter sometime.
The valley is still so beautiful, so take time to appreciate it every day and it will always hold a place in my heart.
Bob Rankin,
Canmore
