Jim Eglinski, MP PRESS RELEASE
Yellowhead
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 5, 2015
Harper Government Approves Long Range Plan for Marmot Basin Ski Area
in Jasper National Park
OTTAWA: Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced the approval of the Long Range Plan for the Marmot Basin Ski Area in Jasper National Park. The Plan will advance visitor experience, education and ecological integrity, and ensure the responsible management of growth and development within the park.
The new Long Range Plan for Marmot Basin Ski Area in Jasper National Park outlines improvements to ski hill operations, identifies measures contributing to ecological integrity, and provides for a substantial reduction in the leasehold area for the benefit of species at risk and other wildlife.
Under this Plan, there will be an environmental gain of 118 ha of important wildlife habitat – equivalent to almost 150 Canadian football fields – added to the more than 97 percent of Jasper National Park that is already designated wilderness for the benefit of caribou and other wildlife. To enhance visitor experience, Ski Marmot Basin will expand snowmaking; improve parking and transportation access; upgrade the Caribou Chalet; and conduct limited tree thinning to support glade skiing.
This significant milestone is the result of a long-standing, cooperative relationship between Parks Canada and Ski Marmot Basin, and reflects the comments received from a public consultation process and engagement with Aboriginal partners. The approval of Marmot Basin’s Long Range Plan illustrates this government’s commitment toward working with Canadians to conserve and restore Canada’s rich natural heritage, and connecting Canadians to our natural mountain landscape, in support of Canada’s National Conservation Plan.
Quick Facts:
•Ski areas in national parks are managed through a structured suite of policy tools, including park management plans, the 2006 Ski Area Management Guidelines, site guidelines specific to
each ski area, and long range plans.
•Long range plans are required for all national park ski areas and outline the ski area’s development and operation for a five to 15-year period.
•The Marmot Basin Site Guidelines were approved in 2008 by Parks Canada. Since that time, Ski Marmot Basin has worked closely with Parks Canada to prepare their Long Range Plan submission.
•Ski Marmot Basin is the second ski area after Mount Norquay to have an approved Long Range Plan.
“Our Government is committed to protecting our rich natural heritage and connecting Canadians to nature. This new Long Range Plan demonstrates Ski Marmot Basin’s stewardship and commitment toward operating in an iconic Canadian national park and World Heritage Site. Completed with extensive consultation from Canadians, this Plan is a significant achievement and will help promote Jasper National Park as a world class visitor destination,” stated MP Eglinski.
“The owners and management of Ski Marmot Basin are delighted that Minister Aglukkaq has approved our Long Range Plan. We have advanced plan proposals, working with Parks Canada, which enhance the quality of visitor experiences and ensure the sustainability of the ski area, while safeguarding important ecological values within an iconic Canadian national park. As the cornerstone of winter tourism in Jasper National Park, the four projects contained in our first Long Range Plan will provide significant benefits to the Town of Jasper as well as tourism operators in Jasper and the surrounding region,” commented Dave Gibson, Ski Marmot Basin’s President and CEO.
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For more information: MP Jim Eglinski: 1-800-268-7117
Associated Links:
Marmot Basin Long Range Plan: www.skimarmot.com
Summary of public comments: www.parkscanada.gc.ca/jasper