Time is running out to see the iconic steep teal roof at the top of Rogers Pass.
Parks Canada announced this week that it would be moving forward with the demolition of the summit’s gas station and Glacier Park Lodge on the Trans-Canada Highway.
“Due to structural deficiencies, soil contamination and the advanced state of building deterioration, the hotel and gas station buildings are unsafe and require demolition,” says Parks Canada.
The removal of the gas station is set to begin in the new year.
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The soil contamination is a result of the transportation history of the area. The site of the hotel was used as an industrial yard during the construction and operation of the railway through Rogers Pass.
Parks Canada says it will be moving forward with plans to remove the buildings and remediate the sites.
“The mitigation and remediation of that contamination needs to be brought up to current environmental standards,” it says.
A slideshow on a Parks Canada webpage shows grass in an after view of the summit where the buildings are located in the before photo.
The gas station was shuttered in 2009 and the lodge followed suit in 2012.
The buildings were at the centre of a lawsuit, which was resolved in 2016 when a settlement gave Parks Canada sole ownership of the property.
The lodge opened in the 1960s and was frequented by skiers and hikers accessing the mountains. It was also a haven for travellers stuck between Revelstoke and Golden during road closures.
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Parks Canada has funding to build a new public washroom facility and is asking for public input to help inform the future of Rogers Pass.
“The area around Rogers Pass is an integral part of Canada’s national transportation corridor, and offers access to world class hiking, backcountry skiing and breathtaking scenery for any traveller,” it says. “Glacier Park Lodge was a valuable part of these experiences for many years and Parks Canada is pleased to be able to now plan the long term future of this site.”
A three-question survey is now available online. The questions are: What services, amenities, if any, would you like to see in Rogers pass?; During the summer months, there are currently three basic campgrounds (un-serviced sites) in Glacier National Park. Should there be other options to stay overnight in Rogers Pass? If yes, what kind of overnight options would you be looking for?; In your opinion, what else can Parks Canada do to improve the visitor offer at Rogers Pass? Please share your vision of what the offer could look like.
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