The Jasper Local December 15, 2018

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saturday, december 15, 2018 // ISSUE 135

MARMOT BASIN SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR JOE BROWN DEMONSTRATES HOW TO SMASH POCKET POW AFTER A STORM ROLLED IN JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON. // CHRIS TOBIAS

Council presented with pared down capital budget Jasper municipal council is looking at a new, pared down proposed budget for 2019.

An initial capital budget proposed on November 27 and 28 included enormous borrowing requests to finance renovations at the Jasper Arena, Activity Centre and Aquatic Centre. In response to the overwhelming ask ($15 million, including a $7 million debenture), council directed administration to bring forward a proposed budget identifying which items were critical to service provision in 2019.

“That meant the projects that were absolutely dire for health and safety, for example,” said Christine Nadon, manager of legislative services for the municipality.

Included in the new, $9.5 million proposed budget

(including a $4.3 million debenture) is moving the arena’s ammonia room. Its current location is too close to main entryways and the Wildflowers Daycare, according to a 2016 assessment.

Council will vote on whether to action that component of arena upgrades at their December 18 meeting; there they will also discuss spending $80,000 on a recreation program and service review—the intent of which will be to engage the public and prioritize recreational services.

“This process would ensure council has the right information to make good decisions,” Nadon said.

Utility rates will also be part of the conversation. Currently, administration is proposing a $16,109 increase to maintain service levels for water, sewer, garbage and recycling. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

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page A2 // the jasper local // issue 135 // saturday, december 15, 2018

editorial //

Local Vocal Take a bow, Jasper, you’ve just been voted North America’s best ski town.

How did that happen? Well either readers of USA Today loved the fact that we’re a “decidedly unpretentious base for winter adventure” or local promoters mashed the Vote Now button until they eclipsed the best efforts of boosters from North Conway, New Hampshire. Either way, score one for the Athabasca Valley!

Now before you get all snow-snobby and suggest that we’re the hole in the donut when it comes to places that puke pow, recall that this poll selected the best ski town, not the most voluptuous vertical or the sickest snowpack. We should absolutely take pride in being called a great place to tack up one’s toque. After all, for many of us, it’s the community which keeps us here.

While the survey had scant details on what exactly makes J-town a super ski town (they also assumed the Miette hotsprings were open in the winter—oops!), we don’t have to look too far to see why voters were vibing on us. A quick peek through these pages gives you a sample of the special thing we’ve got here, whether it’s awesome amenities, funky arts and culture opportunities, Whoville-like wholesomeness in terms of our holiday happenings, critical collaboration between our most important agencies or opportunities to get real about tough topics such as post-traumatic stress and first responder fatigue.

That last piece is important. Because while the world may see our arresting exterior—and we certainly take pride in putting on our best face for visitors—if you scratch beneath the surface you soon discover we are anything but a resort community. With our railroad roots, we are more grit than glam; our outfitter origins value self-reliance rather than self-indulgence; and our geographical isolation compels us to have each others’ backs. Those are the type of qualities that form fellowship, epic aprés-ski be darned.

As we head into the holidays, a time when it can be easy to forget the community connections amidst the behind-the-scenes scramble to ensure a great guest experience, let’s try to remember what got us to the top of that list of ski towns.

Let’s extend a little empathy for those who might not have family close by, reach out to friends who we suspect might be down in the dumps and go the extra mile when it comes to ensuring our vulnerable community members are looked after.

Then we can really take that bow. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

Is it that complicated?

Dear Editor,

Bear Hugs and (no) Moose Droppings

In reference to Lee Sexsmith of Prince George’s letter to the editor (December 1, 2018) and your Local Vocal of November 15, 2018, I find it amazing that with all the expertise on conservation, best logging practices, tire and track equipment in our province/country, and with the availability of the internet, that to get something like this right is so difficult.

Bear Hugs to Robinson’s Foods for supporting organic produce.

Customers are taking notice. Thank you for the selection!

Sheila Couture, Jasper

Cora Covey, Jasper

J Russell, Jasper

Bear Hugs to Theresa and Glen for picking out the perfect Christmas tree while harvesting outside of Hinton. Come check it out all dressed up!

The Jasper Local //

Jasper’s independent alternative newspaper 780.852.9474 • thejasperlocal.com • po box 2046, jasper ab, t0e 1e0

Published on the 1st and 15th of each month Editor / Publisher

Bob Covey.................................................................................... bob@thejasperlocal.com Art Director

Nicole covey......................................................................... nicole@thejasperlocal.com Advertising + sales

Email us today...........................................................................ads@thejasperlocal.com cartoonist

Deke.................................................................................................deke@thejasperlocal.com

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// community

saturday, december 15, 2018 // issue 135 // the jasper local// page A3

The Third annual Christmas Craft Fair, hosted by Wild Moon Organics at Jasper’s McCready Centre, saw 25 vendors displaying their wares for the craft-hungry public.

Here, Artist Tristan OVery shows off his steezy creations to Christine Nadon. The fair raised more than $500 for Santas Anonymous. // N Covey

A public letter of admission and apology I was busted on October 22.

Why? I was caught in the act of cutting deadfall with my battery powered chainsaw, smack in front of two Jasper National Park (JNP) law enforcement officers, on an unofficial, old horse trail (pre-1917), near the Cavell Road.

powerful emotions, and old trails have history, those emotions and that history do not give me, or anyone, a free ticket to clear without authorization in the park.

We are so fortunate to have our National Parks; of course, rules have to apply in order to protect them. Trail clearing without prior The worst feeling I’ve had in my life punched approval or permission is unlawful. There is no open season on trail clearing. The me in the gut, which resulted in horrified responsibility of who cuts, and why, lies with gasps of shock.

Parks Canada. It has to be that way, for the It was awful. The two officers had to protection of the national parks. verbalize Parks Canada’s official words and In accordance with the charge placed by Parks rights to me, someone they know and had once respected. I had broken one of the rules Canada, the Friends of Jasper had to pursue actions in line with their personnel policies. As of the National Parks Act and was charged a result, the Friends of Jasper has suspended with “damaging a natural object.” That day my Level One Sightline Clearing certification and in the days that followed, a cloak of for six months, because I broke two rules from shame hid the sun. Teary blubbers and an the Jasper Trails Alliance Sightline Policy. emotional weight stalked me for days.

1.Clearing is only permitted on official trails.

Seven weeks later, that initial crude emotion of being busted has mellowed and acceptance has replaced shame. I would like to share some personal admissions, the repercussions and defend the rule I broke.

For more than two decades, I’ve been involved with anything and everything to do with skiing in JNP (cross country, lite touring and alpine touring), not only writing ski history stories, but also encouraging ski opportunities in the park.

I confess, sometimes my social media posts and various letters to the editor were touched with sadness, frustration and skier passion as our skiing park shrank, partially due to overgrown trails, climate change, shifting Parks Canada directives and closures in the name of caribou conservation.

Although passion and frustration are

2.The only tools permitted are lopper, pruners and hand saws.

Following my suspension, I am required to complete a refresher course in order to be recertified for sightline clearing as a part of the Jasper Trails Alliance. I will also have a 30-day probation period following my recertification.

I deeply regret putting the Friends of Jasper through so much angst. I betrayed their trust. I let them down.

With this public admission of guilt, there are three facts I’d like to hammer home: getting busted is awful; cutting is only allowed on official trails with approval/permission from the park; and unofficial cutting is illegal under the National Parks Act. Loni Klettl // info@thejasperlocal.com

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page B1 // the jasper local // issue 135 // saturday, december 15, 2018

Local public safety// + local business //

//THE MUNICIPALITY OF JASPER HAS THE PROJECT LEAD ON A MAJOR FUEL REDUCTION PROJECT AROUND THE TOWNSITE. PARKS CANADA AND THE MUNICIPALITY, TOGETHER WITH CN AND ATCO, ARE PROTECTING INSFRASTRUCTURE AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION ROUTES. // BOB COVEY

Agencies reducing forest fuels in critical areas The sound of chainsaws and the smell of smoke will once again be constant backdrops to life in Jasper over the next few months.

Those things might represent an assault on the senses to some, but for Jasper’s Fire Chief Greg Van Tighem, it’s both music to the ears and an auspicious perfume.

down low and gets it down on the ground. the federal government and lives in British Firefighters are much more capable of fighting Columbia, last week Westhaver was back in a fire that’s not crowning.”

Jasper to direct and monitor the Firesmart work as a contractor of the municipality.

Van Tighem is the Project Manager for the job, which is significant for not only the work which will be performed but for the collaboration between agencies. MOJ, Parks Canada, CN and ATCO all have a stake in the project and since contractors have finished up units behind Stone Mountain (priority one), they’ll move to units behind Bear Hill Lodge, along the CN right-of-way west of town, near the waste water treatment plant and along emergency evacuation routes near Alpine Village, for example.

The sounds and smells are a result of recentlycontinued Firesmart/Forest Wise work around the townsite, around key emergency evacuation routes and next to critical assets.

The work involves removing wildfire fuel from forested areas; lessening the fuel load reduces the potential for catching embers, which would “If critical infrastructure goes down it makes it a lot harder for the community to recover,” Van jeopardize community infrastructure.

Tighem said.

In Jasper’s case, there are 36 Fuel Maintenance Units (FMAs) around town—ranging from less Firesmart work has taken place in many of than one hectare to more than 14—which have these units in the past, however, the urgency been prioritized accordingly. When completed, to manage the fuels has been ramped up in the the project will contribute a significant uptick wake of the mountain pine beetle epidemic.

In the early 2000s, when the program was first in wildfire preparedness and community introduced, it was Alan Westhaver who led the safety, Van Tighem says. team which implemented the work on behalf of “If there is a big fire coming in from the west Parks Canada. Although he is now retired from or the south, this modification drops [the fire]

Two centuries ago, in a grasslands-dominated valley bottom, fire would have been a regular part of the landscape. Westhaver said between First Nations applications and lightning, fires would have managed fuel build up every five years or so. In a Douglas Fir forest, that would be more like every 20 years. Either way, since Europeans showed up sometime in the early part of the 20th Century and started repressing wildfires, forests have become ever more laden with tinder. Pine beetle has only exasperated the problem.

“Fires played a huge role,” Westhaver said. “Every time they burned they would take away fuel.

Without that cycle of fire it’s been piling up.”

Now, by applying fire to the forest floor, the Municipality of Jasper—together with Parks Canada and strategic partners—are taking it down.

The project will curtail in the spring, depending on fire prescription conditions. Phase two will take place again next winter. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

JFI Foods moving foward in wake of structure fire Owners and employees of JFI Foods are getting their business back on track two weeks after a structure fire devastated their warehouse and disrupted a critical link in Jasper’s commercial supply chain.

JFI’s Rob Paltzat, who seven years ago became an operating partner in JFI along with siblings Trevor, Brian and Kelly Groth (Beeby), said the shock of the incident has receded and the partners are concentrating on moving forward.

“We can’t stay down for long,” Paltzat said. “Our client list has been amazing and understanding but we recognize that it’s a perishable good.”

Insurance investigators have told JFI Foods that the cause of the fire is indeterminable; speculation is that it could have been related to electrical wiring.

“But they couldn’t determine the where, what and how,” Paltzat said.

Meantime, the business is working on determining their own where, what and how. The “where” was

answered when carpenter Eric Dietiker helped them relocate to 56 Stan Wright Industrial Park— they signed a lease on December 10. The “what” is evolving as JFI builds up their services again— starting with paper and chemical products and getting back into perishable goods as soon as they can get a refrigeration unit built.

And the “how” is simple: hard work and relying on each other when the going gets tough—just like they’ve always done.

laundry, for example); then the opportunity for food came up.

“It’s kind of a rebirth, in that way,” Paltzat said. “Although hopefully we’ll be growing it in three months as opposed to seven years.”

they can make it work. More topof-mind are things like a forklift, coolers and computer systems.

“We’ve got the support of the community and our customers, our friends and family and our suppliers, too,” Paltzat said. “We The major task will be to get a feed off of that. It’s obviously a working warehouse back up and running. The space they are leasing process but I think we’re doing OK.” is smaller than their previous home, but Paltzat is confident bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

“We’ve had our moments when it hits you and there are emotions tied to it but then you look across the table and these guys have their noses to the grindstone and pretty soon the pity party’s over,” he said.

The price tag of the fire will end up in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, Paltzat estimated, but the group has been buoyed by the fact that 12 years ago, the company’s founders were in a similar state of starting up. Back then JFI was a paper product supplier (think toilet paper, napkins and garbage bags); they then got into chemicals (for commercial dishwashers and hotel

A FIRE AT JFI FOODS DEVASTATED THE LOCAL FOOD SUPPLY COMPANY’S WAREHOUSE BUT NOW THEY ARE GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS. // BOB COVEY

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Local mountain culture //

saturday, december 15, 2018 // issue 135 // the jasper local// page B2

TRAILS TRIALS// JASPER’S LONI KLETTL IS SAYING SORRY AFTER SHE CONTRAVENED THE NATIONAL PARKS ACT. // BOB COVEY

Trail ambassador cuts a deal with prosecutors after illegally cutting deadfall in national park prosecutors and defence lawyers agreed that Klettl would instead be required to publicly admit wrongdoing.

Klettl has been especially active as a volunteer with the Jasper Trails Alliance, putting in many hours to help shape a Loni Klettl was facing charges for vision for Jasper’s trail network. She has damaging a natural object after she was found cutting deadfall on an historic horse put in many more hours to help see that vision through. She has led dozens of trail near the Cavell Road on October 22.

“It was awful,” she recounted about getting groups conducting trail improvement work; marked nearly all of Jasper’s Wildland busted. “[It was] the worst feeling I’ve had routes with the now-ubiquitous “yellow in my life.” diamonds;” is a constant presence in JNP’s Klettl, a life-long Jasperite who grew up in front and backcountry; and is a tireless the backcountry with her family while her promotor of opportunities to experience father was posted to various remote warden the park’s most stations, was clearing fallen trees and wild and wonderful brush with a lightweight, battery-powered places. chainsaw when she was discovered by two For her efforts, law enforcement officers. this year she was National Park General Regulations recognized by stipulate that no person shall remove, the Municipality deface, damage or destroy any flora of Jasper with a or natural objects in a park except in Mayor’s Award as accordance with a permit. well as by the Jasper “That day and in the days that followed, a Park Chamber of cloak of shame hid the sun,” she said. “An Commerce as the emotional weight stalked me for days.”

2018 Community Ambassador of the After weeks of agonizing over her Year. impending court date, Klettl was relieved to learn that the charges were being But her passion dropped. Instead of incurring a fine, to facilitate park Jasper’s best known trails advocate has made good with Parks Canada prosecutors after being indicted with a violation of the National Parks Act.

exploration crossed a line when she took her saw into a place not deemed an official trail. Her tool of choice was also a violation of the agreement which certified volunteer trail clearers enter into with the Friends of Jasper National Park. Because of her indiscretions, Klettl’s Level One Sightline Clearing certificate has been suspended for six months. Following the suspension, she will be required to recertify.

“I deeply regret putting the Friends of Jasper through so much angst,” Klettl said.

“I let them down.”

See page A3 for Klettl’s letter to the public. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

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page b3+B4 // the jasper local // issue 135 // saturday, december 15, 2018

FEATURE // STORY AND PHOTOS BY BOB COVEY

FROZEN MOMENTS: W PRIMETIME IN JASPE Every year in Jasper National Park, after the mercury starts to plummet but before the snow squalls arrive in earnest, there is a brief window of opportunity to experience a particularly glorious gift from nature.

This special season typically takes place just before the ski slopes come alive. Locals know it as wilderness skating primetime.

While a November cold snap can be a bit of a rude awakening if you haven’t pulled your winter boots out of storage, for those who’ve experienced the freedom of skating on a frozen lake, marsh or creek in Jasper National Park, the dip in temperature signifies soon-to-be serenity. With dozens of lakes, sloughs and tributaries dotting the Athabasca River Valley, a multitude

of potential playgrou can set up to offer spectacular skating.

This year’s epic ice ri included Patricia and Pyramid Lakes, Lake Annette, Lake Edith and Lac Beauvert. Ev mighty Maligne got carved up—all the wa down at Coronet Cree no less!

(There were also a handful of hush-hush hubs where in-the-kn locals skated in secre but rather than risk getting found belly up when the ice thaws in spring, Jasper Local s will keep these locale under lockdown.)

Awesome ice conditio don’t always material Some years, snow cakes the ice before it firms up, while in oth circumstances, the w howls while the deep freeze locks in, creati gorgeous but ultimate unskateable meringu When the perfect combination of cold a dry takes place, as it did this year, locals a visitors lace up to enj an endless, epic sheet glass—with the occas fish to chase and bloo to tinkle through.

Once the winter is he

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WILDERNESS SKATING ER NATIONAL PARK nds

inks d en

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“Awesome ice conditions don’t always materialize.

But when the perfect combination of cold and dry takes place, locals and visitors lace up to enjoy an endless, epic sheet of glass. “

are wonderful outdoor rinks maintained at Mildred Lake near the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge as well as on Pyramid Lake. However, the truly

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serendipitous skating happens when it’s just you and the big wild.

Now that the snow gods have blessed us with a blanket of the white stuff, it would seem that wilderness skating

is in the rearview for this season. But next year, when the November forecast is calling for clear skies, bust out the blades, a helmet and feel the frictionless freedom of glorious gliding.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com Parts of this article originally appeared in Via Rail’s Travel Blog (blog.viarail. ca). Via Rail is celebrating 40 years in Jasper National Park this year.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

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page B5 // the jasper local //issue 135 // saturday, december 15, 2018

local community //

QUINN WILSON GUEST STRUMS WITH BIRDS OF BELLWOODS’ STEPHEN JOFFE AT A HOUSE CONCERT AT “THE OUTPOST” AKA QUINN’S HOME // B COVEY

CHANTAL EDERLE AND HER BOYS HANG DECORATIONS ON THE WORLD TREE IN ROBSON PARK DECEMBER 8 // N COVEY BIG HORNS NUZZLE UP BEFORE THE SNOW // SIMONE HEINRICH

LOCAL GUIDE MAX DARRAH BROUGHT DOWN THE HOUSE WITH HIS POWERFUL STORY ABOUT BATTLING PTSD AND FINDING HIS LIGHT IN FAMILY DURING ROCKABOO MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES’ NIGHT OF LIES // MATT QUIRING

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local safety //

saturday, december 15, 2018 // issue 135 // the jasper local// page B6

Injured in the Alpine: A little preparedness and a lot of help go a long way in an emergency Backcountry skiers tend to be preoccupied with the possibility of avalanches.

Obviously, there are very good reasons for this.

But there are other risks associated earning your turns that, while less dramatic than deadly torrents of speeding snow, still demand consideration and preparation. After all, things that would be relatively minor issues at a ski resort can become complex emergencies when you’re off the beaten path – even if it’s just a few kilometres from the highway.

A recent trip organized under the banner of the Edmonton section of the Alpine Club of Canada brought that reality to the fore.

Our group had just reached the summit of Observation Subpeak opposite Bow Summit on the Icefield Parkway. My friend Stephen Connick led the group down the steep planer slope below the summit while I stayed at the back to make sure everyone made it down safely.

Skiing conditions were poor and I had my eye on one skier who was making his way down the crusty, rock-dotted slope. Of course, I was watching the whole group, but this particular skier was the only one with whom I share parents. //BANFF NATIONAL PARK RESCUERS CAME TO THE AID OF A GROUP ON OBSERVATION PEAK As I watched my big brother Evan make his way DECEMBER 8, BUT THINGS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE HAD THE GROUP NOT BEEN PREPARED FOR AN ACCIDENT // SUPPLIED down the slope, I could see that he was uncomfortable. A capable resort skier, he was struggling with carrying into the backcountry. But I can tell you was going to be a very difficult and very painful the variable conditions. He looked tense. As he that, in addition to my standard avalanche gear, proposition. We pulled out the InReach personal made his last few turns on the steepest and most from now on I will be extra sure to always carry an location beacon and put in the call. challenging pitch, I was ready to exhale a sigh of emergency beacon, a handheld radio, several ski While we waited for a response from Parks Canada relief. straps, a tarp and a short length of climbing cordeVisitor Safety, we began first aid. Group members Then, right as he reached the botlette (or a runner). pooled their supply of ski straps tom of the pitch, he crashed. Hard.

We are extremely lucky to have talented mountain and we constructed a splint out Despite his initial claims to the rescue specialists on hand to help us when we get of ski poles padded with climbing contrary, Evan was hurt. I guessed “Getting him out of there ourselves into trouble – not to mention a world-class skins and down jackets. We moved that he had probably broken his leg. ourselves was going to be healthcare system that can put us back together and a splitboard underneath Evan to Whatever the nature of the injury, a very difficult and very swallow the bill. But without the right equipment, keep him warm and make easier I knew he wasn’t getting off this painful proposition.”“ these resources can be several hours from our reach. travel over to where we hoped a mountain under his own steam.

And even in the best of circumstances, responses helicopter might soon be landing.

With an FM radio transceiver, I can’t be instant.

After a few minutes, Parks Canada informed Steve-o that we had an We would all do well to make sure we have the dispatch responded to the InReach injury and needed to start thinking equipment and the know-how to take care of each device, instructing us to switch our radios to the about a rescue. After a few minutes of discussion, other until the cavalry arrives. frequency of the nearest Parks Canada repeater we agreed that getting Evan out of there ourselves station. Within a few minutes I was in direct contact Doug Olthof // doug@thejasperlocal.com with Visitor Safety official Conrad Janzen. A helicopter would soon be on its way.

About an hour after the original emergency signal, a helicopter arrived carrying Janzen and his partner, Aaron Beardmore. Within a few minutes they had packaged Evan’s leg in a vacuum splint, loaded him into the helicopter and lightened his mood with some laughing gas. After a quick flight down to the highway, Evan was transferred to a waiting ambulance. He had surgery on his broken tibia the next day.

While Evan might feel differently about it, this was a relatively minor injury that wouldn’t have been a big deal to take care of at a ski resort. And it happened within sight of the highway. Still, it took the considerable resources and expertise of Parks Canada Visitor Safety and some fancy technological devices for us to avoid what could have been an epic and extremely uncomfortable self-rescue.

It’s not for me to tell people what they should be