Overview of the Howse Pass Highway Proposal

The "House Pass Highway" proposal refers to the longstanding idea of constructing a new highway route through Howse Pass, connecting central Alberta (via Highway 11) with the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) near Golden, British Columbia. This route would provide a more direct connection between central Alberta and the B.C. Interior, notably shortening the drive from Red Deer to Kamloops by approximately 95 kilometres136.

Key Details of the Proposal

• Route: The highway would link Alberta's Highway 11 with B.C.'s Trans-Canada Highway, about 30 km west of Golden, B.C., passing through Howse Pass and requiring a section to cross Banff National Park126.

• Economic Rationale: Proponents argue the route would bring significant economic benefits—an estimated $400 million according to a 2005 pre-feasibility study—by boosting tourism, supporting industrial activity, and providing a shorter, alternative corridor for goods and travelers13.

• Toll Road Consideration: To improve financial viability, the proposal has included the possibility of making the new highway a toll road, similar to how the Coquihalla Highway was financed in B.C.13.

• Environmental and Regulatory Hurdles: The route would require federal approval for a 34-kilometre segment through Banff National Park, a National Historic Site and ecologically sensitive area. Environmental groups have consistently opposed the idea, citing concerns about wilderness protection and the core mandate of national parks456.

Political and Public Response

• Support: Some municipal leaders in central Alberta support further study of the project, citing potential economic gains and improved transportation links13.

• Opposition: The B.C. government has shown no interest in the proposal, instead focusing on expanding existing infrastructure, such as the Kicking Horse Canyon section of the Trans-Canada Highway59. Environmental advocates and local officials have called the idea "ridiculous," emphasizing the high cost, engineering challenges, and likely environmental damage46.

• Public Opinion: An online poll indicated mixed views among residents, with more people supporting the shortcut than opposing it, but a significant portion remaining skeptical about its feasibility due to environmental and regulatory barriers5.

Current Status

There is no indication that the proposal has advanced beyond preliminary discussions and advocacy by local economic groups. The B.C. government is not prioritizing the project, and federal environmental and heritage protections make approval highly unlikely56. The idea resurfaces periodically but faces substantial obstacles before any formal legislative or construction steps could occur.

Summary Table: Pros and Cons of the Howse Pass Highway Proposal

Aspect	Proponents' View	Opponents' View
Economic Impact	Boosts tourism, industry, and local economies	High costs, questionable return on investment
Route Efficiency	Shortens travel by ~95 km	Existing routes being upgraded, low priority
Environmental	Opens new opportunities	Threatens protected wilderness, park integrity
Political Will	Some Alberta municipal support	B.C. government not interested, federal hurdles
Feasibility	Possible as a toll road	Engineering and regulatory challenges

Conclusion

While the Howse Pass Highway proposal continues to attract periodic interest from central Alberta stakeholders, it remains a highly contentious and unlikely project due to environmental, regulatory, and political barriers, especially given the lack of support from the B.C. government and the need for federal approval through Banff National Park56. No recent legislative action has been taken to advance the proposal.

Citations:

1. https://www.vicnews.com/news/new-highway-proposed-between-alberta-and-b-c-67707
2. https://www.reddit.com/r/alberta/comments/f5itwp/proposed_howse_pass_highway_back_in_the_news/
3. https://www.trailtimes.ca/news/new-highway-proposed-between-alberta-and-b-c-5044435
4. https://www.reddeeradvocate.com/local-news/proposal-to-drive-highway-through-pass-ridiculous-7064984
5. https://www.missioncityrecord.com/news/b-c-government-shows-no-interest-in-proposed-highway-between-alberta-and-b-c-2143784
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberta_Highway_11
7. https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-9265
8. https://www.highway413.ca
9. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation-projects/highway1-kamloops-alberta
10. https://www.alberta.ca/highway-3-functional-planning-studies

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