Construction of controversial project meant to help tourists get a unique view of Jasper National Park is well underway, and is on schedule – meanwhile, those against the project continue to fight it.

The concept that inspired the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway, echoes one built in the Grand Canyon, although this version, built and operated privately by Brewster Canada, will have an educational component.

“Rather than people just driving down the parkway looking at the scenery and not learning anything, we wanted people to get out of their cars and engage in a fun and unique way,” Michael Hannan, President of Brewster Canada said.

Officials said there will be a number of interpretive stations along the walkway.

In its second construction season, the skywalk, located just off the Icefields Parkway is taking shape – with the glass-floored path jutting 30 metres from the edge of a cliff, and 280 metres above the valley recently installed.

Regardless of the construction, residents and environmental groups are still speaking out against it.

“It’s an atrocity for our national park, and for our reputation,” Kim Wallace, a member of the Jasper Environmental Association and a local resident said.

Wallace said she didn’t think the skywalk would make it as far as it did.

She believes the project clashes with the values and purpose of Canada’s national parks.

“To me, it feels like national parks are prostituting the land, they’re trying to make money and they’re doing it in a way that to me is unethical,” Wallace said.

A spokesperson with Jasper National Park said the walkway is being built in an area specifically zoned for use by visitors.

“The skywalk is also located on the Icefields Parkway, which was purpose-built for visitor use and enjoyment,” Alisson Ogle, a spokesperson with the park said. “It’s zoned for outdoor recreation and the exact location used to be an under-utilized parking lot.”

The exact price of the project hasn’t been released – construction is expected to be complete in October, 2013, but it won’t open to visitors until May, 2014.

With files from Brenna Rose