While the idea of hopping on a train to get to Banff from Calgary might sound nice, environmental advocates are sounding the alarm.
A passenger rail line has been proposed to connect Calgary to the popular mountain town but a number of environmental groups say it could impact wildlife and have far-reaching implications.
Conservation groups in Alberta are concerned that the rail line from Calgary to Banff ignores wildlife concerns as conservation biologists say the route would cross multiple ecosystems from the prairies to the mountains.
They say the rail would potentially affect dozens of at-risk species and further fragment important wildlife habitats.
“Roads, trails, power lines, and railways are all linear disturbances. Adding one more to the 130 or so kilometres from Calgary to Banff corridor will further fracture wildlife populations and reduce available habitat,” said Hilary Young with the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative.
“Adding a high-frequency, high-speed rail line within an internationally-significant wildlife corridor will have far-reaching implications for multiple species, including grizzly bears.”
Experts say the proposed train would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, however, the overall impact is uncertain.
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“The studies we’ve reviewed don’t identify the emissions associated with the construction of the project, which we estimate to be significant,” said Diana MacGibbon from Bow Valley Climate Action Society. “Without that information, it’s difficult to determine whether the project will result in a reduction or an increase in GHGs.”
Despite the convenience, the groups say many people don’t realize that the short-term convenience does not necessarily outweigh the long-term changes to the wilderness in Alberta.
“People come to these mountains to experience some of the best wilderness Alberta and Canada have to offer. Another rail line is likely to negatively impact the very wildlife and landscape that attracts visitors from all over the world,” said Sarah Elmeligi of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society Southern Alberta Chapter.
“We cannot support this project until there is more transparency and environmental concerns become part of the conversation.”
