Site preparations for the controversial walkway in Jasper National Park, that environmentalists say will hurt wildlife, began today.

The ‘Glacier Discovery Walk’ is a trail with a suspended glass walkway that will extend over the edge of a cliff along the Icefield Parkway over the Sunwapta Valley, providing tourists with the ability to walk alongside a glacier – for somewhere between $15 and $29.

Environmentalists have slammed the project, insisting it’s bad for local wildlife. However, the federal government disagreed and decided to go along with the plan put forth by Brewster Travel Canada, arguing it would help boost tourism.

Work crews began fencing the area and setting up heavy equipment Tuesday. Construction is expected to begin on the half-kilometre pathway within two weeks.

Brewster Travel estimates the walkway will take two years to complete.