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Mountain culture explored in Banff Geographers, environmentalists and mountain people from around the world will converge in Banff, Alberta this weekend for the Sustainable Mountain Communities conference.

Mountain culture explored in Banff

Geographers, environmentalists and mountain people from around the world will converge in Banff, Alberta this weekend for the Sustainable Mountain Communities conference.

The four-day meeting will focus on environmental sustainability for mountain areas impacted by tourism and amenity migration. Four key issues will be discussed, from managing the quantity, type and rate of growth; to minimizing air, water and soil pollution; to reducing resource consumption; to developing sustainable transportation for people and goods.

Tim Wake from the Whistler Housing Authority will be among the participants.

This year the conference will also look at how communities cope with the impact of hosting a major public event like the Olympic Games. Drawing from his experience at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games in 2002, Myles Rademan, Park City’s director of public affairs and communication, will talk about the impact of the Games in Park City.

Another discussion will focus on tourism growth and water sustainability issues facing mountain communities.

From New Zealand to the U.S., from town planners to business stakeholders, a diverse group will meet at the Banff Centre from June 14 to 18. The Banff Centre is Canada’s centre for creative excellence in the arts, leadership development, mountain culture and conferences.

Chateau Whistler Tied For Number 1 Golf Resort in Canada

Usually the Whistler accolades are associated with being the best ski resort in North America but now the praise has spilled over to the summer months.

Whistler is now home to Canada’s best golf resort.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was ranked number one in Canada, tying for first place with The Fairmont Banff Springs, in a recent Conde Nast Traveler’s annual survey of the World’s Top 100 Golf Resorts.

"To be ranked amongst some of the finest golf resorts in the world is a great honour and testament to the golf experience offered at The Fairmont Chateau Whistler," said Kevin Toth, general manager of the hotel.

"Whistler has clearly become recognized internationally as Canada’s premiere golf destination."

Nearly 6,000 Conde Nast readers were asked to evaluate and identify the most challenging and breathtaking resort courses, along with the most spectacular places to stay. The criteria included course design, pace of play, guest services, accommodations, food and other activities.

The Chateau Whistler’s golf course is a par-72, 18 hole course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it opened 10 years ago.

On July 1, 2003, the Chateau Whistler Golf Club will unveil a new Practice & Learning Centre designed by Canadian golf course architect, Gary Browning. The centre will offer golf teaching methods and products, including the latest computer and swing analysis technology, a full service clubhouse, grass teeing areas, target greens and an extensive short game area.