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thejasperlocal.com
LOCAL + independent
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friday, september 1, 2017 // ISSUE 104
Indigenous consultations on Icefields Trail extended
LAURENT BOLDUC NEGOTIATES MEISSNER’S RIDGE, IN THE COLIN RANGE, ON A STUNNER DAY IN LATE AUGUST. // JO NADEAU
Parks Canada has extended the deadline for Indigenous input on the proposed Icefields Trail’s detailed impact analysis. The extension is to allow sufficient time for meaningful consultations, according to media relations officer Audrey Champagne. “Extending the consultation timeline also responds to several requests for the public review of the draft detailed impact analysis to occur outside of the busy summer months,” Champagne said. The Icefields Trail proposes to link Jasper and the Columbia Icefields via a 106 km paved pathway alongside Highway 93. Critics have suggested it will destroy important wildlife habitat and compromise public safety. Proponents argue it will enhance cyclist safety and have a minimal impact on the park. In April, public opportunity for input to help draft a detailed impact analysis process closed. According to Parks Canada, in late 2017 the detailed impact analysis— also known as an environmental assessment—will incorporate comments from public and Indigenous input. Parks Canada could not say when a decision on the detailed impact analysis will take place. “It is important to note that the proposed Icefields Trail is currently in the conceptual phase and no final decisions have been made,” Champagne said. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com