As Calgary approaches a population of 2 million, the cherished proximity to the Rocky Mountains is becoming increasingly strained, according to Melanie Darbyshire, editor of Business in Calgary magazine and a member of a virtual think-tank. In a guest column for the Postmedia Calgary project Countdown to 2 Million, Darbyshire reflects on the evolving difficulties of enjoying the natural wonders west of the city, urging immediate action to preserve this unique benefit for future generations.
From Idyllic Memories to Modern Realities
Growing up in Calgary during the 1980s and 1990s, Darbyshire recalls frequent, hassle-free trips to the mountains. Winter ski days at Fortress Mountain, summer camping at Two Jack Lake, and excursions to Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis were marked by serene experiences—whizzing down slopes, biking through campgrounds, and hiking glorious trails without the crowds or congestion that define today's outings.
In stark contrast, current mountain visits are often plagued by bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway, frustrating parking shortages, and overcrowded trails that diminish the sense of solitude in nature. Darbyshire emphasizes that as the city swells, these issues intensify, eroding the very benefits that make Calgary special.
Key Challenges in Mountain Access
The problems begin with inadequate infrastructure. The Trans-Canada Highway lacks the capacity to handle weekend and holiday traffic volumes, leading to frequent gridlock, especially during accidents that can strand vehicles for kilometers. This congestion not only delays trips but also sours the experience for countless outdoor enthusiasts.
Parking has become a critical issue in popular destinations like Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis, and Lake Louise, as well as at ski resorts such as Sunshine Village and Nakiska. During events like a recent skijoring competition in Banff, Parks Canada had to turn away vehicles due to insufficient capacity, highlighting the severity of the problem.
Affordability adds another layer of difficulty. Hotel rooms in mountain towns have skyrocketed in price, with a single night at the Chateau Lake Louise now costing nearly $1,000, making such stays a fantasy for most families. Similarly, securing a camping spot in national or provincial parks requires immediate booking when reservations open, and enjoying popular trails without crowds often necessitates weekday visits or early dawn starts.
Proposed Solutions for Sustainable Access
Darbyshire argues that recognizing and addressing these challenges is imperative for Calgary's future. She advocates for expanding the Trans-Canada Highway, acknowledging it as a massive, expensive, and multi-year project that demands immediate attention to accommodate growing demand.
Additionally, she endorses the Calgary Airport–Banff Rail project, a $2.6 billion plan supported by Canada’s Building Trades Unions and the Building Trades of Alberta. This initiative would link YYC Airport, downtown Calgary, Cochrane, Morley, Canmore, and Banff, providing greater access while reducing vehicle congestion on roads.
By implementing these measures, Darbyshire believes Calgarians can reclaim the mountain experiences that once defined their city, ensuring that the natural beauty on their doorstep remains accessible and enjoyable for all as urban growth continues.
