Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi has publicly urged the Alberta government to reject a proposed gondola project in Canmore, according to a statement issued on June 12, 2026. The project, which would connect the town to a nearby mountain, has sparked debate over its environmental impact and alignment with local land-use plans.
Elmeligi, a member of the New Democratic Party, argued that the gondola would disrupt wildlife corridors and exceed the development limits set by the Canmore Community Plan. She cited concerns about increased traffic and strain on municipal services in the growing mountain community.
The proposal, put forward by a private developer, has not yet received formal approval from the provincial government. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas said the project is under review and no decision has been made.
Local environmental groups have also voiced opposition, while some business owners see the gondola as a potential boost for tourism. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between economic development and conservation in Alberta's Rocky Mountain region.
