WALK FIT FOR A QUEEN
Alberta Lt.-Gov. Lois Mitchell, left, and the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, secretary general of the Commonwealth of Nations, walk along the Commonwealth Walkway, a series of interpretive trails in Banff created as a 90th birthday gift for the Queen.
When it comes to Banff’s power to evoke stirring memories in visitors both new and old, Lt.-Gov. Lois Mitchell is no exception.
“My daughter Shelley was married at the St. George-inthe-Pines church in 1984,” says Mitchell, as we walk together on a pathway just behind the Banff Park Museum, the Bow River alongside us and the majestic Buffalo Mountain across. “I always loved this place, but after that special day, I fell madly in love.”
Moments earlier, Alberta’s royal representative reaffirms her love for the town in an official ceremony on the busy corner of Banff Avenue and Buffalo Street.
It is the unveiling of Canada’s first Commonwealth Walkway, which includes four different routes emanating from the centre of town; the walkways, part of existing pathways enjoyed by both locals and people from all over the world, now include 38 bilingual bronze plaques that include stories, poems and historical information about spots along the walkway and in the area.
Routes include the “Blue Walk” along Vermilion Lakes, the Spray River “Orange Walk,” the Tunnel Mountain “Green Walk” and the Sundance Canyon “Red Walk.”
The information on the plaques, which bear the Queen’s personal royal cipher, is also available for smartphone download (banff.ca).
The project, spearheaded by Mitchell and made possible with the help of local organizations and governments, was announced last year as Alberta’s 90th birthday gift to Queen Elizabeth II.
“It truly is a spiritual place,” Mitchell says of Banff, a town and environs she feels are worthy of celebrating “the tremendous strength, dignity and dedication” of the Queen throughout her reign.
On Sunday, Banff plays its role of picture-perfect destination to the hilt, with people from all over the world out enjoying a beautiful sunny day.
In a celebration fit for a queen, the King’s Own Calgary Regiment Band is on hand, with about 40 kids who form the Banff Elementary School Choir to entertain those gathered.
Mitchell tells the gathered crowd that the gift also celebrates “the health and well-being that comes from walking,” the pursuit of knowledge — “history in particular,” she notes — and community.
“We are proud to be part of this excellent initiative linking the 71 nations and territories of the Commonwealth,” says Mitchell. “It’s serving to unite this family of nations together.”
Among the dignitaries and other officials on hand for the unveiling is the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, secretary general of the Commonwealth of Nations.
“Such significant and happy occasions remind us of the enduring nature of our Commonwealth connections,” says Scotland, who heads up a voluntary association of independent and sovereign states, including Canada, with a total population of 2.4 billion.
Not surprisingly, many of those visiting dignitaries have high praise for the spectacular setting of the country’s first Commonwealth Walkway, including Hugo Vickers, chairman of UK charity Outdoor Trust, whose organization co-ordinates the commonwealth walkways.
“What better place in the world, in Canada, but Banff to have this route?” says Vickers. “I’m ashamed to say this is my first visit to Banff, but it certainly won’t be my last.”
Watching the ceremony is Banff resident Sue Burford, who moved to the town from Richmond, B.C., to be closer to her two grandchildren.
“This is a town where everyone walks, whether they live here or come to visit,” says the retired teacher. “It only makes sense to have Canada’s first Commonwealth Walkway here.”
As for Alberta’s lieutenantgovernor, it’s another reason she feels so thankful to represent her province and the monarchy.
“I have the most beautiful job in the world,” says Mitchell, as she strolls along one of the walkways after the ceremony.
“I’m always learning, every day is a treat. And, now, with this Banff Commonwealth Walkway, so many can learn about this beautiful place — it is a thrill for me to be involved in a project that creates an outdoor, living history museum.”