Two stories this week speak of the tensions between visitor experience and protecting special places.

A tour de France cyclist wants to see competitive races held in the National Park. Dazzled by the steep climbs, breakneck downhills and terrain that he compares to Europe, former Tour de France competitor Alex Stieda is attempting to light a spark underneath the community to transform Jasper into a cyclists destination. Imagine the peleton screaming down the Icefields parkway, or time trials on Marmot Basin road. Undoubtedly, this would provide an economic boost to the community, diversify the types of visitors the park receives and perhaps inspire local riders to chase their own yellow jersey.

An intriguing possibility.

Another group wants to see the Maligne river re-opened to rafting traffic in hopes of providing a better whitewater experience. Rafters bemoan the day the river was closed to their tours, stating the Maligne holds the best whitewater experience in the park. Opening the river could help operators compete with other big rafting destinations such as Kicking Horse, and increase corporate revenues.

Once again, intriguing, especially in times of economic strife, which is affecting the rafters, who are already feeling the effects of a wet summer.

The challenge for Parks Canada with these proposals is to weigh commercial demand against environmental stewardship. Sure, road cycling is about as benign an activity possible in terms of environmental impact. The road is already there and the cyclists aren’t emitting greenhouse gases. However Parks must take into consideration the increased visitation to the area and the impact this will have on entire ecosystems. Growth must be sustainable, not uninhibited. If such a project moves ahead, organizers would be well suited to dream big, but start small.

When it comes to the Maligne River, both sides are far apart. It would be prudent for an Environmental assessment report to be authored by parks to examine the river again. The rafters are obviously not happy with the answer they’ve received, and the onus now switches to parks to explain why the river should remain closed. While any document can become political, an independent study – perhaps through the University of Alberta – could be the best way to settle this debate.

If the activities don’t degrade the natural environment – the number one draw for visitors to Jasper National Park - there is no need to prohibit them. However allowing activities just for the pursuit of another dollar is exactly what the park doesn’t need.