Alberta ignoring environmental protection

January 13, 1999
Source: CBC
Original story - link verified on August 22, 2000

Environmentalists in Alberta say they are not happy with the outcome of their meeting yesterday with the premier and minister of the environment. Harvey Locke of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society says it's clear the government has no interest in protecting environmentally sensitive parts of the province. Locke's group is trying to protect 10 areas and is offering specific plans. He told CBC News that Environment Minister Ty Lund is interested in little more than rhetoric about study, consultation and definitions. Lund says he'll get back to Locke in a month or so, after he's had a chance to look over and discuss the environmentalists' proposal. Meanwhile, Banff architect Rob Findlay says businesses are glad to see the end of a moratorium on development in the resort town. After a two-year ban, the resort town is accepting applications until next month for land development. Banff's original community plan was rejected by federal Heritage Minister Sheila Copps because she said it allowed too much development. The town spent another year revising the plan before Copps came up with her own growth limits last June.

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