WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA -- (Marketwire) -- 10/09/10 -- The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, along with the Honourable Rick Casson, Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, today opened the Kootenai Brown Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park. The new non-motorized multi-use trail was created as a legacy gift to Canadians in recognition of the 125th anniversary of Canada's national parks.
"The Kootenai Brown Trail will enhance visitors' experience by providing a new, safer way for cyclists, pedestrians and others to travel between the park gate and the community and to better enjoy the spectacular Waterton Lakes and Valley," said Minister Prentice. "This project funded by Canada's Economic Action Plan is another great contribution to the national parks system."
The recreational trail was constructed to provide a link for non-motorized travellers from the community of Waterton and the Townsite Campground to visitor facilities in the Waterton Valley. The new trail offers unparalleled views of the Waterton Lakes and surrounding mountains and addresses safety concerns by ensuring users are separated from motorized traffic along the Entrance Parkway.
"The Government of Canada is pleased that it has worked with the input of the local community of Waterton to complete a project that benefits the people who come from all over Canada and the world," said the Honourable Casson. "Parks Canada has an exemplary record of cooperation with partners and stakeholders."
Funding for the Kootenai Brown Trail was provided by Canada's Economic Action Plan, which sets aside $374 million for improvements of facilities and protection of Canada's national parks and national historic sites. As a result of these investments in national parks and national historic sites, many skilled men and women in construction, tourism and conservation sectors will be hired in every province and territory of Canada.
Parks Canada is the largest provider of historic and natural heritage tourism in Canada. Through a network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and three national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada sets the stage and invites Canadians, as well as people from around the world, to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery of our treasured natural and historic places.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Contacts:
Office of the Minister of the Environment
Pascale Boulay
Press Secretary
819-997-1444
http://twitter.com/jimprentice
Parks Canada
Waterton Lakes Field Unit
Dave McDonough
Superintendent
403-859-5112
www.twitter.com/parkscanada