The proposed Glacier Discovery Walk was a hot topic of discussion at the Jasper National Park Annual Public Forum on Nov. 15, with numerous Jasper residents questioning officials from Parks Canada and Brewster Travel Canada about the controversial project.

“It’s the philosophy I disagree with,” Art Jackson said of the proposed interpretative boardwalk to be suspended over the Sunwapta Valley, which he described as “contrived and commercial” and inconsistent with the way Jasper ought to be approaching tourism development.

Jackson said he supports Parks Canada initiatives like the Palisades, the Dark Sky Festival and expanded access to cross-country skiing trails, but the Glacier Discovery Walk would be a step in the wrong direction.

“It’s more of a business mantra that seems to be happening with Parks,” he said, “which is way off track, in my opinion.”

Others wondered what Parks Canada stands to gain from the project. Volker Schelhas asked if Jasper National Park would receive any direct revenue from the Glacier Discovery Walk.

Shawn Cardiff, an integrated land use planning manager with the park, said Jasper would receive a percentage of the revenues, but could not reveal how much that would be, as it’s part of a private agreement with Brewster.

Schelhas said Parks Canada is in a “direct conflict of interest” if the amount won’t be made public. He asked how Jasper residents could trust Parks Canada to make an objective approval decision when it has a financial interest in seeing the project go ahead.

“It’s a fair question but we don’t make decisions like this based on revenue,” Cardiff replied.

But Schelhas was unconvinced. Especially with Ottawa seeking to make budget cuts across virtually all federal departments, he said it stands to reason that the potential revenue from the Glacier Discovery Walk would have an influence on Parks Canada’s ultimate decision.

“The Canadian public will not accept that our parks will be made into commercial entities because of budget cuts from an uncaring federal government,” he said.

Cardiff replied that he could “categorically” rule out the influence of money on Parks Canada’s approval process.

The reason Jasper National Park has been open to the idea so far, he added, is that it fits with the park’s overall goals for visitor experiences. The interpretive nature of the Glacier Discovery Walk, he said, would provide “the opportunity to better tell the stories of the area.”

In addition, he noted the proposal fits with the zoning scheme for the area and would have a limited environmental impact given the development that is already in place there.

“From an ecological integrity view-point, using an existing disturbed site seems like a good idea,” Cardiff said.

Brewster chose this particular area for that very reason, said Dave McKenna, vice-president of hotels and attractions with the company. Not wanting to disturb new ground, he said, Brewster was relatively restricted when it was looking at possible sites for a development like this.

He re-iterated that point in response to several people who suggested the proposed site wasn’t particularly striking compared to other locales in the vicinity.

“I don’t think that’s a good spot. I don’t think it’s dramatic,” said Sheila Couture.

“It does surprise me that there would be adequate interest over the long term,” added Gerry Lettner.

“Although maybe not the most spectacular spot, it is spectacular,” McKenna replied.

The company’s goal is to provide an educational experience for visitors, he added.

“Our criteria is we have to be able to do interpretation,” McKenna said. “We’ll deal with geology and glaciology. We’ll deal with the flora and fauna.”

Another goal of the project, he said, is to allow people to access to “the grandeur of the glacier experience” without having to be “extreme athletes” capable of arduous backcountry travel.

The Glacier Discovery Walk wasn’t among the three specific topics that Parks Canada was seeking feedback on during the forum. Rather, the topic was raised by members of the public at one of the tables reserved for “open discussion” and it tended to dominate the discussion at that table.

The other three tables were reserved for discussion on new recreational activities in the park, the ambassador training program and expanding the participation of aboriginal communities within the park.

When it comes to new recreation, officials said Jasper National Park is considering proposals for “aerial adventure parks” (such as ropes or challenge courses) on existing land leases and in campgrounds and day use areas that are currently “under-utilized.” Proposals for “canopy tours” and stand-alone zip lines, meanwhile, will not be considered. Proposed changes to the park’s aircraft access regulations would also allow for hang gliding, paragliding and traction kiting.

And when it comes to mountain biking, Parks Canada will focus on maintaining trails for multiple kinds of users, including cross-country riders, but not downhill mountain bikers. Downhill-specific trails will not be developed and this type of riding (on heavier bikes which are shuttled uphill with motor vehicles) is not approved within the park.