New Paddling Restrictions in Alberta Parks

0:00It's March 25th. Welcome in. This is Canada News Today, where local news meets AI. I'm Corey with the story. Parks Canada is rolling out new restrictions on paddling and other watercraft, and rivers and lakes across Alberta's mountain national parks, including Jasper, BAMF, Yohau, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes. Starting this spring, these areas are divided into zones to stop the spread of aquatic and basin species by whirling disease, which is hit lake, Louise and threatened fish populations. The rules mainly target backcountry spots, closing many advanced routes to boats, wind sports, and fishing waiters, while main rivers like the Athabasca stay mostly open. Officials say the disease, which can wipe out up to 90% of young fish likely came from human gear moved between waters and once it's in, it's hard to remove. People paddlers, some with over 20 years of experience, are calling the changes soul crushing since they block access to remote gyms reachable only, by boat.

1:02One better and estimates over 75% of Jasper's navigable waterways are now off limits, hitting pack raptors especially hard as they hike, deep into the wild before paddling out. Even in restricted zones, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing without waiters are still okay, and some rivers remain open thanks to natural barriers like waterfalls. Parks Canada stresses cleaning, draining, and drying all gear, and they've carefully map zones to balance protection with recreation. Paddlers are hardbroken, but urging everyone to follow the rules while pushing for collaborative fixes like inspections or permits, hoping surveys, and feedback lead to better ways to safeguard these waters together.