Editor:
We wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone that helped make the 125th anniversary of Banff National Park such a smashing success throughout 2010.
We were especially inspired to see many diverse groups rally behind the creation of national parks in this country. Individuals and representatives from a wide array of interests, including cultural communities, residents, businesses, environmental organizations, arts groups and several levels of government all worked together to help Canadians celebrate the legacy of Canada’s first national park in its historic 125th year.
Countless stories about Banff National Park and the rich array of national parks that Canada now protects were told and filmed across the country. These stories appeared in both large cities and small towns, in French and English, all while highlighting Banff National Park’s countless treasures: abundant wildlife, classic mountain landscapes, and compelling human history.
The celebratory year was capped with a live three-hour Canada AM broadcast from Lake Louise, a full-day conference featuring prominent Canadians such as Kevin Newman, Shelagh Rogers, Harvey Locke, Tom Lee and Alan Latourelle, and an evening program at the Banff Centre showcasing music and films inspired by and created in Canada’s national parks.
Community residents and countless Canadian and international visitors took in the many commemorative events that were staged throughout the year.
As custodians of Canada’s vast network of national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada relies on the help and support of the Canadian public to safeguard our protected landscapes and keep our Canadian stories alive.
That is why we were especially pleased to see the communities of Banff, Lake Louise and beyond come together to commemorate this historic occasion. May Banff National Park’s legacy live well on into the future. Here is to the next 125 years.
Pam Veinotte
Kevin Van Tighem
Superintendents,
Lake Louise, Yoho,
Kootenay and
Banff Field Units
