Letter to the Editor

The Committee to Secure Emergency Communications has been advocating for emergency communications service in Kootenay National Park (KNP) since 2017.

With the Kicking Horse Canyon Project requiring the rerouting of traffic from the TransCanada, the committee was finally successful in achieving our goal. Last spring Parks Canada agreed to install four emergency satellite phones along Highway 93 in KNP.

However, to date, fulfilment of this commitment has yet to be realized.

Given the terrible situation that took place on Highway 93 in KNP Sunday, November 14, it is imperative that action be taken by Parks Canada and the Kicking Horse Canyon Project to address safety concerns of the travelling public in KNP.

Included in these actions should be the following:

1. The remaining three emergency satellite phones be installed immediately with signage on the highway indicating their location.
2. A communications plan be implemented to ensure the public is aware of emergency communications facilities in KNP.
3. Protocol be developed for Parks Canada staff to effectively respond to calls from the emergency communications phones in KNP.

Colleen Roberts, Director,

Committee to Secure Emergency Communications Facilities in KNP,

Windermere

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