Banff welcome sign. (Photo: Joi54a | Dreamstime.com)

By Canadian Press

Environmental groups expressing concern about Calgary-to-Banff passenger train plan

Aug 16, 2022 | 10:37 AM

CALGARY, AB – Conservation advocates and experts are concerned that a proposal for a Calgary-to-Banff passenger train is chugging along without addressing some key environmental issues in and around Banff National Park.

Liricon Capital Inc., the lead private sector proponent, is touting its proposal as a hydrogen-powered transportation solution with lower greenhouse gas emissions than driving.

A group of five environmental organizations and some scientists, however, say the proposal still has some environmental risks.

One of the concerns is wildlife deaths – particularly grizzly bears, which have been hit and killed on the existing track in Banff National Park.

Another is the fragmentation of wildlife habitat in Alberta’s already busy Bow Valley.

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Parks Canada says its first priority is to protect the ecological integrity in the national parks but adds it’s not currently reviewing a proposal for a passenger train in Banff.

The federal agency says any review would look at policy and legislation, including the Impact Assessment Act and park priorities.

The company says it’s working on wildlife mitigation strategies as part of the next phase.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 15, 2022.

READ MORE: Partnerships announced to develop Calgary-Banff passenger train

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