As published in Fast Forward Magazine, September 27, 2001
Naturalist Uses G8 to Promote Kananaskis Area
A Canmore author and naturalist is trying to put a positive spin on the controversial G8 summit next year by re-introducing the rugged location as a tourist attraction.
Ward Cameron, the author of the Canmore & Kananaskis SuperGuide, says there is so many negative aspects to the G8 summit, he is trying to remind people about the area’s assets.
"As a naturalist I would have never selected a place like the Kananaskis to host an event like this, but we weren’t consulted. This is something that came upon us," Cameron says.
"It’s something that we, as a community, need to then use to the best advantage we can and try to get a positive message about, rather than the G8 being about protestors and placards. Let’s use this opportunity to give Canmore the best showcase we can to try and show the world that this is a fabulous place and a place we do need to protect. "
Cameron is marketing his guide as an "essential source for anyone coming to the area as part of the upcoming G8 summit in 2002."
The book contains maps, trail guides, facility details and historical data about the Canmore and Kananaskis area. He says the idea behind the promotion is not to give protesters or police any inside information about the area, but to offer international visitors a more comprehensive understanding of the region.
"We’ve got a year to get out some positive messages on this area," Cameron says, adding his hope is that it will provide a reference for media visiting the area so that they have an accurate source and can get some good stories.
"The event is controversial (but) the more positive messages we do get out, the less chance there is that negative stories will get out," Cameron says.
Much of the focus leading up to the G8 has focused on the potential for violent protests. Since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, there has been an added focus on security measures – the event will, after all, host at least eight IPPs (or Internationally Protected Persons in law enforcement jargon).
Protestors haven’t been invited to take part in the summit meetings, and most profess to be wrestling over the decision to protest in ecologically sensitive Kananaskis.