Banff National Park’s superintendent described his decision to walk his dog off-leash, which violates the Canada National Parks Act, as an “isolated lapse in judgment.”
Initially reported by the Rocky Mountain Outlook on October 8, the Bow Valley newspaper revealed that Sal Rasheed was found walking his dog Max off-leash on the Tunnel Mountain trail in Banff.
Although Rasheed acknowledged the incident to CBC News, he emphasized that his dedication to Parks Canada’s mission remains steadfast. He mentioned that the episode reinforced the significance of setting a good example. Rasheed, who has been in the role of superintendent for Canada’s primary national park since 2022 and has served as the acting executive director of Alberta’s national parks since the previous year, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the agency’s initiatives aimed at safeguarding wildlife, visitors, and the ecological balance of the national parks.
According to a statement from Jennifer Burnell of Parks Canada’s national communications team, the federal agency was informed about the photo of Rasheed with his off-leash dog. Burnell emphasized that Parks Canada expects all individuals to adhere to the regulations and conducted an internal review following the report. She noted that Parks Canada was content with how the matter was addressed, without disclosing any specifics of the actions taken.
Although no charges were filed as of October 8, as confirmed by the Alberta courts to CBC News, Parks Canada focuses on promoting compliance with park regulations through education, awareness, and enforcement when necessary.
Despite occasional lapses in judgment, Parks Canada remains committed to preserving destinations like Banff National Park for future generations, as stated by Burnell. When approached for comments, Parks Canada acting CEO Andrew Campbell referred inquiries to Parks Canada vice-president of operations Jewel Cunningham, who has yet to respond.
Requests for comments from Banff field unit external relations manager Natalie Fay and press secretary for the federal Minister of the Environment, Climate Change, and Nature Amy Falkner have not been answered by CBC News.