Dear Editor,
I can certainly understand Grant Potter鈥檚 frustration鈥攁s stated in the Letters to the Editor in your last edition鈥攚ith the approval process for new commercial developments in our national parks.
He is probably right when he points out that all previous management plans, agreements and decisions made with public input will鈥攊f the proposal moves forward鈥攂e amended or disregarded when considering new development proposals.
But I don鈥檛 think he understands that there are now only two requirements that have to be met to have a new development considered by Parks. First, in an effort to balance the national budget, any new proposal must show a healthy financial return to Parks Canada. Second, as Mr. Potter pointed out, it must be classified by Parks Canada as a 鈥渘ew visitor experience鈥� as this is the only non-financial reason they need.
If a proposal meets both of these new criteria it will be seriously considered for approval.
I would therefore like to recommend that a group of Jasper entrepreneurs make a proposal to Parks to聽 construct a gallows on Pyramid Island and charge admission to witness public hangings. That would certainly be considered a 鈥渘ew visitor experience.鈥�
If the only candidates eligible to go for a swing were some selected politicians, I can think of, I am sure there would be standing room only and the financial return to Parks would be enormous. Given the actions of some of these 鈥淐anukleheads鈥� we elect or who are appointed to public office, this could become a weekly, year-round event with an unlimited supply of participants.
I know this proposal is rather absurd but is it any more absurd than having a piece of glass sticking out of one of our mountains or a bunch of ugly tents blocking the view of, and polluting, Maligne Lake? Besides I am sure the environmental impact would be minimal and certainly justified.
I can only imagine the public support this would receive, if they even bothered to ask.
Jack Templeton
Jasper, Alta
