Maligne Tours released its conceptual proposal outlining its redevelopment plans for Maligne Lake, Nov. 15, and scheduled public forums in Jasper and Edmonton to discuss it at the end of the month.
The controversial proposal includes new cultural and outdoor activities, as well as 15 tent cabins and the development of a three-storey, 66-room heritage-style hotel.
In the proposal, the heritage accommodations and tent cabins are referred to as the “newest and most challenging aspect of renewal at Maligne Lake,” as well as the “primary purpose behind the proposal.”
The hotel would replace the existing day lodge, which Maligne Tours describes as posing “a long list of operational and guest satisfaction challenges,” including everything from inadequate washroom facilities to an “unsophisticated cafeteria-style food and beverage service.”
To remedy those challenges and to make the lodge more than “a tourist trap,” the company is proposing to construct a three-storey building in a style that suits its surroundings and fits in with the existing structures on the property: the recently-restored Maligne Lake Chalet and the Curly Phillips Boat House.
Along with overnight accommodation, there is also an extensive list of cultural and outdoor activities the company would like to develop at the lake. Included in that list is a low impact wildlife-themed maze, voyageur canoe excursions, earth-caching, The History of the Wardens exhibit, free twice-daily Wildlife in the Valley storytelling experiences, Aboriginal-themed storytelling experiences and themed food and beverage experiences, just to name a few of the 14 “experiential highlights.”
Maligne Tours announced it was working on a conceptual proposal for the lake in July and, at the same time, Greg Fenton, superintendent of Jasper National Park, announced Parks Canada is open to considering it.
Since the announcement, Parks has received much criticism from a number of its former employees, who argue the development of overnight accommodation at the lake goes against the agency’s own mandate.
Environmental groups, including the Jasper Environmental Association, have also been vocal about their opposition, even starting a postcard campaign, asking Stephen Harper to protect Canada’s historic treasures.
As well as concerns about the proposal itself, community members have questioned the public consultation process, referencing the Brewster Skywalk as an example of Parks approving a development despite immense public push back. Construction of the Skywalk is nearly complete and the structure will be open to tourists next spring.
Fenton has assured the public that any input it provides during the consultation period will be taken into account when Parks considers Maligne Tours’ proposal.
To find a copy of the proposal, visit malignelake.com. Jasper’s public consultation will take place Nov. 27 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Skyline Room at the Lobstick Lodge.
The Edmonton consultation is the day before, Nov. 26, at Fort Edmonton Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Nicole Veerman
[email protected]
