Lake Louise – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the completion of an approximately $12 million investment in improvements to infrastructure in the Lake Louise Area. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, located within Banff National Park, are among the most recognized and visited destinations in Canada, drawing millions of visitors each year. The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing safety on the roadways in national parks and maintaining a high quality experience for visitors, while reducing disturbances to wildlife.
As a popular tourism destination, vehicle traffic has risen by roughly 70% over the past ten years. This infrastructure investment has upgraded roadway infrastructure, improved visitor safety, provided solutions for more efficient traffic flow, and improved wildlife connectivity.
Through infrastructure investments, Parks Canada is protecting and conserving treasured places, while supporting local economies and ensuring high-quality and meaningful visitor experiences. This investment ensures Parks Canada can continue to welcome visitors safely to these iconic destinations, while balancing ecological integrity.
Public safety is a priority for Parks Canada. This project included roadway repairs and upgrades to better support high levels of traffic. When conducting infrastructure projects, Parks Canada regularly seeks ways to include ecological benefits. The completed roadwork will benefit the aquatic ecosystem health in the area, especially in Louise Creek.
Parks Canada recognizes the barrier that roads create for wildlife movement in key corridors and this investment aimed to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion to help limit disturbance and support their movement. Additionally, a wildlife underpass was constructed on Whitehorn Road through $1.15 million in funding from the Lake Louise Ski Area. By connecting wildlife habitat in the Whitehorn corridor, this underpass crossing can help populations to remain genetically diverse and healthier over time.
“National parks in Canada are core to our identity as a nation and to boosting our tourism portfolio. Through these infrastructure improvements, the government is providing visitors with high-quality experiences while protecting these beloved locations for future generations. Maintaining wildlife habitat connectivity is also paramount to our work. These Parks Canada led projects are critical for keeping Lake Louise safe and accessible for visitors and community members year-round, as well as protecting the wildlife that call this place home.” – Stephen Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada