December 1, 2023 Lake Louise, AB Parks Canada
Today the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced a $5 million contribution to assist Alberta Improvement District No. 9 in the construction of a new fire hall in the community of Lake Louise in Banff National Park.
The new fire hall will provide the Lake Louise Fire Department (LLFD) with improved facilities for administration, training, operations and equipment storage. This investment will enhance emergency preparedness in a key tourism destination for Alberta and Canada. These investments and management actions ensure that critical infrastructure is well-maintained, and that this key tourism destination in Alberta remains a welcoming place to live, work and visit.
Parks Canada collaborates with Improvement District 9 to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to Banff National Park. The Lake Louise Fire Department's firefighters provide structural fire protection, road rescue services, and first-response medical assistance in Banff National Park and to neighbouring jurisdictions through mutual aid agreements.
As with similar projects in Banff National Park, the new fire hall will be subject to a mandatory review process involving rigorous impact assessment and evaluation against regulations, park management plans and related policies. This process ensures the project is consistent with the vision and direction for the both the community and the broader national park.
Parks Canada places are gateways to nature, history, and 450 000 km² of stories from coast to coast to coast. Investing in these locations helps support the health of natural and built heritage, creates jobs and housing in local communities, and provides visitors with safe, high-quality and meaningful experiences across the country.
