Rogers Pass = CLOSED

[wapos]

Wanted to let everyone know that Parks Canada has permanently closed the following permit areas: Fortitude, Smart, Ross Peak and Tupper. If this means anything to you then you had better contact the PC office in Revelstoke and let them know. No response from the public = no one cares and these areas may be closed forever.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/bc/revelst.../contact_E.asp

[nickinbc]

Here is the text of the information bulletin:-

Information Bulletin

CHANGES TO WINTER PERMIT SYSTEM IN GLACIER NATIONAL PARK


REVELSTOKE, February 6, 2009 – Canadian Pacific and Parks Canada are working together to address a railway trespass issue. This concerns the safety of visitors and staff in some Winter Restricted Areas in Glacier National Park. The issue came to light as a result of the public campaign to address the recent increased number of violations of the Winter Permit System.

At this time Parks Canada will not issue Winter Permits for the five Winter Restricted Areas that involve crossing Canadian Pacific property. They are: Fortitude, Mount Smart, Mount Shaughnessy, Ross Peak and Tupper Winter Restricted Areas. This situation may last until the end of the 2008/09 Winter Permit System season.

This is a temporary measure, and Parks Canada will work with CP and users to explore possible solutions. Those interested are asked to call the Parks Canada office in Revelstoke at 250-837-7500 or leave contact information at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre. We are confident that solutions can be found by working together.

Parks Canada will continue to issue Winter Permits for the remaining six Winter Restricted Areas when avalanche control is not anticipated: Mt. Macdonald, Hermit, Cheops, Avalanche, Loop Creek, and Camp West. The issuing of a winter permit for entry into these areas is not an indication of snow pack stability.

Every winter, Parks Canada restricts public access to all slopes facing the Trans Canada Highway and Canadian Pacific (CP) tracks in Glacier National Park for avalanche control purposes. Access to some of the areas is prohibited for the entire winter and to others is restricted, using the Winter Permit System. The same poster alerts users that all CP access roads, right of ways and tracks must be kept clear for safety reasons and so not impact railway operations.

The Winter Permit System allows recreational opportunities within Glacier National Park while ensuring that avalanche control methods used to protect the public and the transportation corridor are able to occur in a safe and effective manner.

It is the responsibility of park visitors to ensure their actions are safe and legal. To find the location of specific Prohibited and Restricted Areas, visitors are encouraged to visit the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre. Information is also available by phoning Parks Canada in Revelstoke at (250) 837-7500 or in Rogers Pass at (250) 814-5202. For information about CP property, please call (800) 716-9132.

Information:
Parks Canada
Doreen McGillis
Communications Officer
Mount Revelstoke and Glacier Field Unit
Parks Canada
250-837-7554

Canadian Pacific
Breanne Feigel
Media Relations
Canadian Pacific
403-319-3932
Public Inquiries:
1-800-716-9132