The Jasper Local March 1, 2019

a lt e r n at i v e +

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LOCAL + independent

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thejasperlocal.com

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friday, march 1, 2019 // ISSUE 140

Parks drops land release price for rental unit parcel

GOIN’ FOR A RIP // PATRICK MAHLER AND TRISTAN NISSEN SOAR DOWN THE MORAINE SLOPES NEAR AMETHYST LAKE AND THE RAMPARTS IN THE TONQUIN VALLEY// SAM WALL

Parks Canada has reduced the price on a Connaught Drive land parcel designated for rental units.

Parcel GB at 801 Connaught Dr. has been reduced by five per cent, from $6.12 million to $5.82 million. Parks Canada is accepting proposals until April 26 for the right to lease the 1.01 hectare un-serviced lot for a term of 42 years.

the railroad tracks.

“The land must be used for the purpose of residential apartment units with a minimum of 41 units to a maximum of 122 units,” a public notice states.

“The evaluation of the proposals will be overseen by an impartial third party professional,” it says.

The lot is zoned R3b Multi-Unit Dwelling District. It is adjacent to the GC parcel for which conceptual designs for a 242 bed staff housing complex have been drawn up by the Jasper Community Housing Corporation (see page B2). The parcel parallels

Parks Canada has said that the Jasper National Park Superintendent reserves the right to consider proposals that offer less than the asking price, should the offer be “within an acceptable threshold.”

The notice states that if more than one qualified proposal is received, a lottery process will determine the successful new leaseholder.

Interested applicants can pick up a request for proposal package at the Parks Canada Administration Office in the Jasper Heritage Railway Station (607 Connaught Dr.) or can address enquires to dave. kreizenbeck@canada. ca in JNP’s Realty and Municipal Services Department. bob@thejasperlocal.com

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page A2 // the jasper local // issue 140 // friday, march 1, 2019

editorial //

Local Vocal Living and working in a national park you sometimes feel like you’re going back in time.

Sure, way out here in the sticks the wifi is slower than a smoke signal, but usually our old fashioned aesthetic is a point of pride. Something about small town living and connecting to nature. Hard to explain, but you know it when you feel it.

That feeling is practically on tap if you make your way into the Tonquin Valley, as those who’ve been lucky enough to go through the (P)ortal know well.

The Jasper Local tried to capture some of the area’s majesty in this edition’s centre spread, but to truly understand, you usually have to travel there under your own power. It’s the magic of the mountains.

That magic, however, must have been wearing a little thin for a team of Parks Canada workers sent to do repairs on an historic warden cabin which serves as an outpost for trail crew staff and caribou-counting biologists, among other official parties. These pitiable people were sent to do repairs without an important tool—a snow machine that could get them into their destination in just a few hours. The cabin is accessed via the same track regularly used by Tonquin Valley outfitters to supply their lodges.

Rather than sled to their job site, however, an edict has apparently been decreed that Parks Canada snowmobiles shall only be used for rescue operations in caribou country. It seems any crews performing maintenance on government facilities must demonstrate a good example.

This, apparently, means hoofing it. In the case of the Tonquin warden cabin undertaking, that meant two days of skiing in and two days of skiing out (including two nights at Hostelling International’s Edith Cavell dorm), all the while hauling a gearladen pulk sled before finally arriving at the worksite after a long, hard day on the trail. Ouch.

This isn’t 1950. The technology to ferry these folks in and out exists. For decades, Parks Canada has used machinery, including helicopters, to carry out non-emergency work when practical to do so.

Are administrative actions such as these a direct assault on the warden service, like some old timers are apt to think? That would be something I would not abide, but at least I’d understand. If not, then this situation seems nothing more than a pompous proclamation issued by an uncaring autocrat.

Living and working in this park can indeed be like going back in time.

But it shouldn’t mean we go backwards. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

MP Eglinski wants PM to resign Dear Editor, Canadians were shocked to hear the explosive testimony of former Attorney General Jody WilsonRaybould on the SNC-Lavalin affair.

Her story was one of inappropriate, and potentially illegal, pressure brought on her by the highest officials of Justin Trudeau’s government and Justin Trudeau himself – all to let a Liberal-connected corporation off the hook on corruption charges.

Justin Trudeau simply cannot continue to govern this great nation now that Canadians know what he has done. Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s testimony tells the story of a Prime Minister who has lost the moral authority to govern. A Prime Minister who allowed his partisan political motivations to overrule his duty to

uphold the law. A Prime Minister who has allowed a systemic culture of corruption to take root in his office.

Andrew Scheer and Canada’s Conservatives are calling on Justin Trudeau to resign. Further, we are asking that the RCMP immediately open an investigation into the numerous examples of obstruction of justice that were detailed in the testimony.

Canada should be a country where we are all equal under the law. Where nobody – regardless of wealth, status, or political connections – is above the law.

I believe we can be that country again.

Sincerely, Jim Eglinski, MP Yellowhead

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

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// local community

friday, march 1, 2019 // issue 140 // the jasper local// page A3

THE JASPER IMMIGRATION COALITION HAS PARTNERED WITH THE JASPER LOCAL TO PRODUCE A SERIES OF PROFILES OF NEW CANADIANS IN THE COMMUNITY. THE JASPER IMMIGRATION COALITION IS A GOVERNMENT OF CANADA-FUNDED PROJECT THAT AIMS TO HELP IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITY’S CAPACITY TO WELCOME NEW CANADIANS WHO MAKE THEIR HOME HERE. MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR, AND NEXT TIME YOU SEE THEM, SAY HELLO!

What’s your name? Carmela Roco How long have you lived in Jasper? 10 years Where did you live before you came here?

Negras Oriental, Philippines What’s your first memory of being in Jasper?

Making snow angels at Pyramid Lake!

Was that your first experience with snow?

Yes! And it was sunny like today. It was pretty exciting. It was cold, but my friend gave me all of the warm clothes to keep me warm. I sent pictures to my friends back home. No one in the Philippines has ever experienced it, so it’s pretty cool!

Do you still get excited by snow?

Oh yea! For about 5 years we didn’t get much snow and now it’s coming back. It’s nice. I always tell people, when they ask me how I feel about the snow, “I feel like I’m in Canada again!’

You must have known a little bit about Jasper before you came here. Was there anything that surprised you?

The first things that I experienced was that you feel at home right way because everyone you come across gives you a smile. They’re very friendly. Even if you don’t know them, they smile. You feel safe. One time a friend and I were hiking at the back of Stone Mountain and I said “it’s so lonely here.” My friend corrected me and said “It’s not lonely.

It’s peaceful.” Since then it stuck in my mind that this is a very safe place for me.

Since coming here twelve years ago, have you tried anything new?

Oh yea! I tried skiing. My first and last time skiing. I almost broke my neck, so I didn’t do it again! But it was fun. If you have fears, trying things like that can help you overcome them.

NICE TO MEET YOU CARMELA ROCO

So no more skiing. But is there anything else you’re still interested to try?

I tried snowshoeing and cross country skiing. I don’t want to try snowboarding!

I can’t really think of anything. Maybe climbing Morro Peak? Up to the cross. I tried Wilcox, but now I want Morro!

What is something that people would be surprised to learn about you?

Maybe that I play guitar. I started playing in high school, but I stopped during college.

Now I’m trying to (get back in to it). It’s kind of cool to sing and play guitar!

Would you ever perform for people?

Just singing. In the church or for a small group. I need to practice more!

What’s the most exciting thing that ever happened to you here?

A group of Filipina woman performed for the International Women’s Day at the Sawridge in 2010. We sang a traditional Filipino song about women leaving their families to work overseas. I was very nervous, but it went well.

It was successful.

Another things was polar dipping in lake Annette. It was so cold! We took a lot of pictures to send to people back in the Philippines. It was an accomplishment for me.

Sounds pretty chilly! Stay warm Carmela.

Nice to meet you!

For more information about the Jasper Immigration Coalition, contact Doug Olthof at dolthof@ jaspercommunityteam.ca

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page B1 // the jasper local // issue 140 // friday, march 1, 2019

Local recreation //

Ski Mountaineering community wants you to ski mo' “I explain to people that Ski Mo is the triathlon of skiing.”

Competitors must hone their skills and stamina in three disciplines, he says: uphill skiing, bootpacking and downhill skiing.

The first discipline requires participants know how to kick-turn up steep switchbacks while ascending more than 1,500 metres over the course of an event; bootpacking, the second skill, is the most anaerobic of the triad, with the added challenge of quickly looping one’s skis on one’s back; while the third discipline, downhill, can be deceptively difficult for the changing ski environment. Participants must navigate often steep, variable terrain containing snow conditions ranging from deep powder to icy moguls and everything in between.

“It’s being proficient at the combination of everything which can give you the efficiency,” said Stieda, a former pro cyclist and no slouch when it comes to turning up the wattage in a workout.

Marmot’s Revenge organizers are trying hard to recruit new members to the Ski Mo family. To appeal to local amateurs who may be considering dipping their toes into the sport, not only is there the option to race on a shorter, less-lungbusting course to taper the learning curve, but the race will also follow a unique handicapping format, wherein age, gender and weight of racers’ equipment will SKI MOUNTAINEERING IS COMING BACK TO MARMOT BASIN MARCH 16be accounted for.

17. AMATEUR ATHLETES ARE ENCOURAGED TO SIGN UP. // FILE PHOTO “It’s a way to level the playing field,” Stieda said.

Stieda says ski mountaineering is attracting athletes from a variety of different backgrounds. “We see cross country skiers and ski tourers, of course, but Organizers and athletes involved with Mar- also trail runners and mountain bikers. [Ski Mountaineering] is a good way to change up the game, or maybe challenge a buddy.” mot Basin’s upcoming Ski Mountaineering event want Jasper residents and visitors to Four different races will take place over the Saturday-Sunday. The second day’s “vertical” event will not include any downhill skiing. ski more Ski Mo. “It’s just a climb,” Stieda said.

Alex Stieda has provided the main momentum for Marmot’s Revenge 2019, takNo matter which course racers gravitate towards, Marmot Basin will be ground ing place this Saint Patrick’s Day weekend, March zero for a serious cardio clinic.

16 and 17.

“It’s fun to see these athletes giving everything they Although the sport is exploding in Europe and the have and getting that feeling of accomplishment at the “Ski Mo is the triathlon of skiing“ U.S., Ski Mountaineering still has a low profile in finish,” he said. “I enjoy watching that.”

Canada. Stidea wants to change that.

The best vantage point to take in Marmot’s Revenge “I see the sport as almost the way mountain biking may be that of a volunteer’s. The event is still looking was in the 80s,” he said. “It’s still nascent and niche.” for a few helping hands. For more information about volunteering or registering, It’s also highly dynamic, thoroughly anaerobic and typically takes place in a find Stieda by email at alex@stiedacycling.com or check out www.skimocanada. beautiful, outdoor setting. org and look for Marmot’s Revenge.

Although its roots are firmly embedded in backcountry skiing, Ski Mo is much more than ski touring with a stopwatch, Stieda said.

Bob Covey//bob@thejasperlocal.com

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Local housing //

Future housing complex needs funding partners

Conceptual plans for a 242-bed staff housing complex on Connaught Drive are shaping up, but questions remain regarding the future development’s funding structure and governance.

After extensive stakeholder meetings, an intensive design charette and retaining the services of Edmonton-based community planning and design firm ParioPlan to facilitate the planning process, the Jasper Community Housing Corporation (JCHC) is now soliciting the Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN) to help demonstrate the project’s need to the provincial and federal governments—with the hope that money will be coming down the pipe at some point.

“We don’t want to move forward before exhausting every opportunity,” said Jasper councillor Paul Butler, who sits as a director on the JCHC. At a February 26 meeting to provide the community with an update to the project and also to record any concerns and questions about the selected site and overall concept, approximately 25 Jasperites—mostly representatives from local employers—heard

that ARDN has a good track record in getting other affordable housing initiatives off the ground.

Josh Bénard, ARDN’s program director, said ARDN has helped facilitate the development of six projects across Alberta, representing 300 units and $42 million in funds raised.

“Most projects have been getting 40 per cent of the capital [from provincial and federal government]” he said.

The question is, who provides the rest?

“We don’t want to move forward before exhausting every opportunity.”

As participants in the discussion learned: that depends. The JCHC has been working from the basic philosophy that the businesses which will eventually house their employees in the new staff accommodation will be the ones investing in it. However, until there is some sense of the upstream funding, it is difficult to know if the inevitable attached strings will incentivize employers to come to the table, or not.

Butler stressed this is exactly why the Jasper Community Housing Corporation has partnered with ARDN.

“The complexities in going after government funding is exactly why we’re working with them,” he said.

Whatever deal is eventually brokered with higher levels of government will also affect what type of governance model is put in place. The last staff housing project that was developed in Jasper, MPL Place, has a unique model wherein prospective tenants are vetted by the JCHC based on income threshold (only those who early less than $35,000 are eligible to apply).

Moreover, what kind of model is eventually adopted at the Connaught complex will likely be influenced by the values of the government that funds it, Bénard said. He reminded the crowd that two elections are scheduled for 2019.

Butler was adamant that no matter what the outside factors, members of the JCHC are committed to moving this project forward.

“There’s no higher priority than community housing being built,” he said.

For more information on the project visit jasper-alberta.com or email jchc@town.jasper.ab.ca

Bob Covey// bob@thejasperlocal.com

friday, march 1, 2019 // issue 140 // the jasper local// page B2

AMAZING GRACE // GRACE KOHN WAS OUT FOR A SOLO SKATE AT JPL DEC 21. // B COVEY

CLASSY CASSI // GOALIE CASSI ALLIN HAS BEEN SOLID BETWEEN THE PIPES FOR THE DE’D DOG OUTLAWS LATELY. THE JASPER HOCKEY LEAGUE ROLLS OUT ITS ROUND ROBIN PLAYOFF FORMAT OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. THE FINALS WILL CULMINATE ON “SUPER SUNDAY,” MARCH 17, WHEN THE COMMERCIAL LEAGUE WILL CROWN ITS 2018/19 CHAMPS. // B COVEY

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page b3+B4 // the jasper local // issue 140 // friday, march 1, 2019

FEATURE // PHOTOS BY NICOLE GABOURY

DELIV AND D

FANTA

AND W

WINTE

VALLE

NICOLA HEATH

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IVERANCE D DIVINITY TOLFA Law Office & EED

Barristers | Solicitors | Notaries

FANTASY LAND // JASPER NATIONAL PARK’S TONQUIN VALLEY OPENED FOR WINTER USE ON FEBRUARY 16 AND WITH THE DROPPING OF THE ROPE A POSSE OF POWDER SEEKERS WERE VENTURING BEYOND, INTO THE WINTER WONDERLAND. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: PUSHING PAST PEVRIL PEAK, STRETCHING IN THE CIRCUS VALLEY, POSING AT PORTAL CREEK, CRUISING CAVELL MEADOWS AND MAKING MAGIC NEAR MARMOT PASS

JO NADEAU

JASPER

780 852-2242

HINTON

780 865-1070

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page B5 // the jasper local //issue 140 // friday, march 1, 2019

local wildlife //

ALL ABOARD // AT LEFT, JACK ARSENAULT-COX GETS A CLOSE VIEW OF THE SPEEDY 6060 STEAM ENGINE AND ITS PASSENGER FREIGHT WHILE CHRIS DUNLOP MANS THE CONTROLS. AT RIGHT, THEODORE LEBLANC WAS A FOUR-TIME VISITOR TO THE JASPER MUSEUM’S TOY TRAIN DISPLAY. // B COVEY

A miniature train ride back to childhood Chris Dunlop wasn’t really given a chance to be a railroader.

Years ago, when Dunlop applied to CN, the recruiters of the day took one look at his thick glasses and dismissed his application.

“They never called me back,” he recalled.

But Dunlop’s dream didn’t die. This past month, the retired Jasperite got to

live out his fantasy of driving trains— albeit in miniature form. For the second time in as many years, Dunlop assembled an elaborate toy train display in the basement of the Jasper Museum.

With the exception of a derailment or two, the exhibit was a runaway success.

“We’ve got 11 trains running at the same time at the moment,” Dunlop said while manning the controls Saturday, February 23. Pressing a button on one of the four transformers used to power

THANKS

YOU

RUDOLPH SPONSORS: $1,000+

RANDAL GLOVER PROFESSIONAL CORP. ZEB TRAZO | ANONYMOUS DONOR COMET SPONSORS: $500+ ROTARY CLUB OF JASPER | CIBC JASPER | JAMES PASKO ROGER & MARGARET MALTBY | P. ERMET & FRIENDS MOUNTAIN PARK LODGES | LOCAL CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

BLITZEN SPONSORS: $250+ BEAR HILL LODGE | UNIFOR LOCAL #4534 WHISTLE STOP PUB | ASTORIA HOTEL | PARKS CANADA JASPER EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION CENTRE | CHABA THEATRE

Special thanks to local retailers for your in-kind contributions: RX DRUG MART | PHARMASAVE | FRIENDS OF JASPER JASPER GENERAL STORE | RANSOM/BOMBSHELL SOURCE FOR SPORTS | TGP JASPER | WILD MOUNTAIN PURE OUTDOORS | SOURCE/VIDEO STOP | LOLE JASPER

Thank you to everyone who donated & attended our events!

Santas Anonymous is a program of the Jasper Community Team Society administered by the Community & Family Services department of the Municipality of Jasper.

the layout, a mini locomotive gave a celebratory “choo.”

Over two weeks Dunlop’s train set attracted dozens of onlookers, including several school groups and plenty of railroaders. The kids, especially, revelled in the chance to get a worm’s eye view of the famed 6060 steam engine going through a mountain tunnel or the passenger trolley making brief pickups as it rolled into station. At the other side of the room, a troop of tanks

was being transported not far from a hopper car full of candy and chocolate.

Most of the toy trains were Dunlop’s, but Jasperite Daralynn Johnson brought in a 40-year-old engine to see if Dunlop could get it working. He took the relic apart, cleaned it out and soon enough had it up and running.

Johnson was transported back to her childhood.

“I remember my brother playing with that for hours,” she laughed.

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local community //

friday, march 1, 2019 // issue 140 // the jasper local// page B6

Former Olympian hosts ski clinic for charity A former Olympian is helping local skiers improve their technique while raising money for two organizations that are close to his heart.

As a dentist in Jasper, Dr. David Leoni is known for improving his patients’ smiles but on two separate weekends last month it was Leoni’s passion for skiing that had folks grinning from ear to ear.

On February 16 and 23, Leoni organized two skate ski clinics—one for beginners and another for intermediate ski“I felt like it was a double ers. The win, we succeeded in raising sold out a reasonable amount of events donated money and got a few more proceeds people getting out and to the enjoying winter.”

Wildflowers Childcare Centre and the Jasper Trails Alliance.

“I felt like it was a double win,” Leoni said. “We succeeded in raising a reasonable amount of money and got a few more people getting out and enjoying winter.”

Leoni knows something about winning in winter. The 37-year-old spent his teenage years on the cross country ski circuit in Alberta, eventually transitioning to the sport of biathlon.

He did well enough in Alberta Cup races that he progressed to the national team, and after he graduated from his Camrose high school, moved to Canmore to train full time.

“I lived like a monk from Grade 10 onward,” he laughed. “Every hour I was awake was spent working out or resting or recovering.”

The dedication paid off when he qualified for the 2006 Olympic Games in Turino, Italy. Leoni was one of 191 Canadian athletes who competed on amateur sports’ biggest stage. Racing in the Olympics had been his dream since he was nine-years-old.

“It was pure elation. My feet weren’t touching

PLANT MATTERS // PARTICIPANTS TAKING PART IN A LOCAL SKATE SKIING CLINIC RAISED MONEY FOR THE WILDFLOWERS CHILDCARE CENTRE AS WELL AS THE JASPER TRAILS ALLIANCE. // BOB COVEY

the ground,” he recalled about receiving the news from his longtime coach, the late Richard Boruta.

After Turino, where he finished 43rd out of 130 fellow biathletes (subsequent doping infractions discovered among competitors has since bumped up his placing by 20 spots or so), Leoni, then 25, set his sights on Vancouver 2010.

But although his skiing was improving, his shooting results had skidded. After a period of reflection, Leoni decided to hang up his speed suit and focus on school. Like his twin brother before him, he chose to pour his passions into dentistry. The grind he had become familiar with from all of those years of ski training was directly transferable to the hard work of studying. A few years and several life decisions later, Leoni and his wife, along with their son, moved to Jasper from eastern Alberta.

“We always said if we got the opportunity we’d move west,” he said.

Soon after relocating, Leoni discovered not just the magic of the trail system but the selfless-

ness of the folks who dedicate their free time to improving it. At the same time, his family, which added another boy in 2016, was introduced to the incredible staff and learning environment at the Wildflowers Childcare Centre.

As such, when the Leonis were deciding on how to give back to the community that so quickly opened its arms to them, choosing the two organizations was easy.

“Without the trails and the people contributing to them, Jasper’s a picture postcard with no way of using it,” he said. “And I just can’t say enough good things about the daycare.”

Now that the two skate ski clinics are finished, participants can’t say enough good things about their instructor. Via Facebook, the ski students sent their feedback.

“Absolutely loved it! Thank you for making it possible!”

“So well organized and so fun and helpful!”

“Thank you David for the amazing day of teaching!”

Leoni will offer another course next winter. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

cafe GLIDE GUIDE // DAVID LEONI GREW UP CROSS COUNTRY SKIING AND EVENTUALLY FOLLOWED HIS DREAMS TO THE 2006 OLYMPICS IN TURINO, WHERE HE COMPETED IN BIATHLON. TODAY HE PRACTICES DENTISTRY IN JASPER AND GETS OUT ON THE TRAILS AS MUCH AS HE CAN. // B COVEY