Banff National Park's superintendent has repeatedly shot down pushes for a gondola running to the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort.The area redevelopment plan for Banff's railway lands prepared by Liricon Capital Ltd. include a pedestrian plaza with shops and restaurants. A redevelopment plan that would transform Banff's west entrance is stirring up debate among some community members.
"A relatively small parcel of land between a railroad and a major highway does indeed play a really important role in maintaining wildlife populations between the greater Yellowstone ecosystem and the Arctic Circle." "At all times, for every purpose, this is a national park," said conservationist and Banff resident Harvey Locke.
The applicant, Liricon Capital Ltd., also owns the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort. It's leasing 13 hectares for the proposed redevelopment along the railway from the CPR, according to the town. Mark Walker, who also has ties to the tourism sector, was among the other residents who voiced support for the redevelopment project.