Copps budges in ski hill impasse

July 10, 2000
Source: Calgary Herald
Original story - link verified on August 19, 2000

Heritage Minister Sheila Copps is willing to meet face-to-face with some of her biggest critics -- ski operators in Alberta's national parks -- if they halt legal action against the federal government. Speaking in Banff Sunday, Copps said she is hesitant to address the ski operators' concerns until the court action is dropped. "They've had us in court for a while, so when they get us out of court, I'm happy to sit down and talk to them." The owners of Sunshine Village, Banff's Mount Norquay, Lake Louise and Marmot Basin near Jasper applied for a judicial review in May 1999 after the federal government announced plans to set new limits on ski hill development in Banff and Jasper national parks. Ottawa also suspended previously approved projects and announced plans to restrict the numbers of skiers on the slopes. The restrictions and limits are intended to reduce development of facilities which some environmentalists say could lead to overuse of the parks.

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