Environmental

Brewster is committed to ensuring that all our visitor experiences promote Canada’s National Parks values of environmental stewardship and ecological integrity. As part of this commitment, we are consulting with Parks Canada on the design of the Glacier Discovery Walk.

Because this is a previously disturbed site within the right-of-way of an existing highway, environmental impacts resulting from the Glacier Discovery Walk are expected to be minimal.

To date, Brewster has commissioned wildlife and vegetation studies to determine the impact of the project and to identify means of eliminating, reducing or mitigating these impacts.

Wildlife Impacts

Species currently seen in the vicinity of the highway include: mountain goats, bighorn sheep and mule deer. Preliminary studies indicated that there is the potential to reduce highway mortality of wildlife in this area as a result of this project. Studies also indicated that during operations sensory disturbance in the area is expected to remain at current levels.

As part of an environmental impact assessment screening requested by Parks Canada, Brewster commissioned one of the largest studies of its kind on the environmental impacts of mountain goats and bighorn sheep in the front country of Jasper National Park. The study’s main goal is to identify and assess the environmental factors that could affect the National Park if the project were approved. These factors include everything from wildlife, vegetation and water impacts to pollution and public safety.

The study’s findings will abide by the legislation set in both the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Canada National Parks Act. Brewster, however, also focused heavily on collecting mountain goat and bighorn sheep data that will reveal new information not readily available to Parks Canada and other environmental stakeholders before. In particular, the study will provide clarification about how and when mountain goats and bighorn sheep use trails and cliffs in and around the Sunwapta Canyon Viewpoint, providing experts with a systematic look on how these precious wildlife use front country sites that already have a high human use and thus human interaction.

Vegatation

Impacts to vegetation are anticipated to be minimal as the site is currently in use and is for the most part barren rock. The vegetation study commissioned by Brewster determined that there are no occurrences of at-risk vegetation species on the proposed project site. In addition to the environmental studies, Brewster has commissioned a geotechnical study to ensure the safety and stability of the proposed facilities. Additional environmental studies will be undertaken as
part of the Environmental Impact assessment being completed for the Federal Government.

Visual Impacts

Brewster is sensitive to the concerns of Parks Canada and other stakeholders regarding the visual impacts of this project. Brewster has consulted Parks Canada on the design of the project and will use materials and design techniques aimed at reducing visual disturbance and helping the Glacier Discovery Walk blend into the natural environment. Because the Glacier Discovery Walk will sit below the level of the highway, the walkway and viewing platform will be minimally visible from the Icefields Parkway.

Impacts on Traffic

A key concern of Parks Canada, identified in the Icefields Parkway Action Plan, is the high number of personal vehicle collisions at the Tangle Ridge Viewpoint due to the blind corner and layout of the current viewpoint. The construction of the Glacier Discovery Walk is anticipated
to have a positive impact on traffic concerns at this site through improvements in the design of the entry and exits from the highway and the reduction in the use of personal vehicles at the site. Brewster is committed to ensuring that traffic safety standards identified by Parks Canada
will be met or exceeded.

Environmental Stewardship

Brewster’s core values focus on a respect for the landscape while providing visitors to Canada’s mountain parks with unique meaningful experiences that challenge and educate.

Brewster driver guides are licensed by Parks Canada as interpretive guides of the flora, fauna, landscapes and history of the Rocky Mountain National Parks and have developed and operated one of only two accredited interpretive guide programs sanctioned by Parks Canada.

Over the last century, Brewster has worked with Parks Canada to ensure the safeguarding and understanding of all mountain parks.

Extensive efforts are made to educate employees, comply with and exceed government environmental regulations and review practices on a regular basis to ensure high standards are maintained.

Brewster is committed to environmental stewardship programs that include water conservation, recycling programs, and reducing fuel and energy consumption at all of its points of operation.

Parks Canada has commended Brewster for its century long commitment to communicating National Park values.