The Jasper Local March15, 2016

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LOCAL + independent

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thejasperlocal.com

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tuesday, march 15, 2016 // ISSUE 69

PEAK HAPPINESS// FREERIDE TEAM MEMBER BRIANNA TUTS LEADS HER MOM, SKI PATROLLER KRISTY TUTS, UP THE FINAL STEPS OF THE PEAK AT MARMOT BASIN.// EDDIE WONG, EXPLOREJASPER.COM

Three more fined for ducking closure loss of a single animal has an enormous impact.”

Parks Canada has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in caribou conservation efforts in Jasper, she added.

All three of those discovered in delayed access zones Judge Vaughn Myers handed down three $1,500 penalties were in the Bald Hills area.

Three others were issued similar fines last month. for the contraventions of the National Parks Act. In her submissions to the court, federal crown prosecutor Alek- During the March 10 court date, two people accused of the same contravention pled not-guilty to entering a closed sandra Simic told the judge that aggravating factors in area. Their trial is scheduled to take place August 25. the cases include the size of the Maligne caribou herd.

“In this particular closure the herd was last reported to be On February 29, the Maligne Valley, including the Bald Hills, re-opened to winter users. b covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com between three or four animals,” she said. “Therefore the Three more people were issued steep fines in Jasper Provincial Court March 10 for entering an area closed for caribou conservation.

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page A2 // the jasper local // issue 69 // tuesday, march 15, 2016

editorial //

Local Vocal That’s so gay. I remember the last time I

uttered that phrase. I was 21. It was in my friend’s kitchen, in 2002, in the University district in Victoria.

A group of us were playing cards and sharing a bottle of wine. When I was dealt a hand I didn’t like, I responded by calling it “gay.”

Immediately, my choice of words were seized upon by my friends. Using the word gay in a negative connotation was derogatory to the queer community, they told me. It’s hurtful because it conveys that there is something wrong with being gay. To boot, it also sounds unintelligent.

Ignorant of the stigma I was perpetuating and too stubborn to admit I was being offensive, I brushed aside their objections, telling them it was just a joke.

I considered myself respectful and open minded toward other people’s differences. I didn’t have any problems with those who had different sexual orientations than myself. Plus, I figured I was funny.

The fact that I could be uttering a homophobic slur didn’t jive with the image I had of myself.

In the subsequent days, however, the exchange putting yourself out in the community, It’s always a bit heartbreaking for between my friends and I stayed with me. The readers when a publication calls it a wondering if your efforts are making more I thought about their protestations, the more a difference. ‘Cause we in the print day, particularly one with as much they made sense. The more I thought about my industry know it’s not about the character, humour and passion as justifications, the weaker they became. money!

Highline Magazine.

Eventually, I admitted my comments were out of Although it’s natural to feel bummed, If you are having doubts, know this: line. In retrospect, it was a bit of a coming-of-age we hope the team down in Canmore you did make an impact. You did moment. Not only was I realizing that words matter, make people care. Highline’s legacy is instead feeling loved. In any case, but thanks to my friends’ standing up for the LGBT isn’t just in the pages you published, that’s the vibe on the street here in community, I received a lesson in leadership.

Jasper. Although it was based in the it’s in the attitudes you encouraged, A few months later, one of my best friends came Bow Valley, publisher Kristy Davison, the art you inspired, the conversations out. I remember being shocked. We had met in editor Corrie DiManno and the rest of you corralled. college and lived together as roommates. When he the Highline crew made a concerted Be proud of your achievements and moved to Victoria to further his studies, I followed, effort to feature Jasper content. That look to the future. Clearly, you’ve crashing at his place until I found a job and my didn’t go unnoticed up here, gals. got the talent—and the guts—to find own place to live. We were very close, yet until that What also didn’t go unnoticed was success in your next endeavour. moment, he had kept his secret to himself. your hard work. It’s tough burning In the meantime, the mountains are I’ll never know if my admitting I was wrong about the midnight oil issue after issue, calling! -Bob Covey my language choices influenced his decision to come out to me. I do know that the degree of relief he displayed when I offered him my unwavering The Jasper Local // Jasper’s independent alternative newspaper 780.852.9474 • thejasperlocal.com • po box 2046, jasper ab, t0e 1e0 support indicated he was worried that our relationship would somehow change. It did, but Published on the 1st and 15th of each month only for the better.

Editor / Publisher Bob Covey..........................................................................................bob@thejasperlocal.com This week, the seventh annual Jasper Pride Festival gives us another opportunity to move the Art Director Nicole Gaboury........................................................................nicole@thejasperlocal.com conversation forward. The event is a great chance Advertising + sales for LBGT visitors to come see what Jasper’s all Rachel Bailey..............................................................................rachel@thejasperlocal.com about, but more importantly, provides a focal cartoonist point for local allies to come together and be the deke......................................................................................................deke@thejasperlocal.com change we want to see in our community. @thejasperlocal facebook.com/thejasperlocal

Leaving on a High note

bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

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Local business //

tuesday, march 15, 2016 // issue 69 // the jasper local// page A3

Blood, sweat and beers: Highline Magazine hangs up the toque It started as a half-serious conversation.

When it ended, Highline Magazine was still only half-serious (Moose Knuckle, anyone?), but after eight years, 17 issues and eight Know Your Neighbour Nights, the conversations it spawned will last a lifetime.

On March 3, publisher and co-founder Kristy Davison announced that the beloved Bow Valley periodical had printed its last issue. The toil of creating a magazine and a brand which celebrated the mountain lifestyle was, ironically, keeping her and her team chained to their desks.

“When something like this is taking so much of your energy you don’t have energy for other things,” she said. “This doesn’t turn off at five o’clock.”

Nine years ago, it turned on. While carpooling to a gathering in Invermere, Davison and a new friend, Erin Cipollone, asked each other what they’d do if they weren’t afraid of failure and if money was no option.

They both said they’d start an outdoor magazine.

“It was kind of an ‘oh s**t’ moment,” Davison laughed.

HIGHLINE MAGAZINE PUBLISHER AND CO-FOUNDER KRISTY DAVISON IS READY TO LET THE MOUNTAINS INTO HER LIFE AGAIN. // SUPPLIED

Davison had some photography experience and Cipollone was a journalism student, but neither had an ounce of publishing experience.

They decided to jump in anyway, committing to one task per day for a year. They read some books about the industry, but their only polestar was their passion.

Had they known how difficult the journey would be, Davison says, they never would have began.

“We moved into a condo together, we both had full time jobs. At 10 p.m. we’d both be in our bedrooms working on something, yelling across the hall to each other.”

When that first issue dropped, however, it was a magical moment. They launched the magazine at HOLY CRÊPE! THE ACFA AND LOCAL VOLUNTEERS SERVED UP A TRADIONAL FRENCH-CANADIAN MEAL AT THE JASPER LEGION ON MARCH 12.

EVERYONE AGREED, IL ÉTAIT DÉLICIEUX! // N. GABOURY

the Grizzly Paw pub. There was free beer, cheap wine… in other words a huge, cathartic party.

“We just wanted to blow it up,” she said.

It did blow up. The magazine gained a fast following. It started off ambitiously as a quarterly, reigned itself in to a biannually, then in 2015, started publishing four issues per year again.

Almost as important as the magazine itself, however, were the social events.

The KYN nights created a permeable membrane between the magazine and the community, Davison said.

“There was an intentionally creative vibe, that’s where the pages of the magazine came to life.”

And now, that’s where the magazine’s eulogy will be delivered. The last Know Your Neighbour Night will take place April 2 at the Canmore Legion. For Davison, it’s a bittersweet farewell.

“I’m sad to be letting it go, but at the same time, I’m so proud of what we’ve done.” bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

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Local adventure //

page B1 // the jasper local // issue 69 // tuesday, march 15, 2016

Splitboard festival’s skin track expanding

Splitboarders like Mike Packham, an apprentice guide based near Prince George, came from across Alberta and B.C. to take part in Ascend 2016// Bob Covey

Three dozen athletes with split personalities descended on Jasper to Ascend the mountains of Jasper National Park earlier this month.

On March 4-6, the third annual Ascend Splitboard Festival was blessed by double the amount of participants than it attracted in 2015 and more snow than Jasper had seen in eight weeks.

“It’s catching on, word is spreading,” said organizer Lukas Matejovsky. “And we got the pow!”

On March 5, fat flakes fell on a dozen riders as they skinned their way up Portal Creek in

the Tonquin Valley. Another dozen were making their way towards Marmot Pass while yet another group was making some of the first tracks of the year in the Bald Hills area.

“That’s a pretty sweet line, that one,” said Mike Packham, an apprentice ski guide based out of the Cariboo Mountains. Looking up at the north side of Peveril Peak, Packham was impressed by the size and scale of the Rockies. He, like many of the weekend’s participants, had never toured in Jasper National Park. Although the stability of the snowpack left much to be desired, he could see why lead guide Matt Reynolds described Jasper as an underrated ski touring mecca.

Introducing splitboarders to the area is one of the goals of Ascend. Collaborating with Parks Canada, Avalanche Canada and a bounty of local sponsors, Matejovsky said as the sport grows, splitboarders are hungry to explore new locations.

“This year hit the nail on the head,” he said. “People were having fun, exploring and learning.”

Three certified ACMG professionals not only led groups safely through complex avalanche terrain, but led discussions on decision making and snow assessments. Lead forecaster for Avalanche Canada, Grant Helgeson, was particularly engaging as he created a learning opportunity at seemingly every kick turn.

Hosted by the Astoria Hotel, participants started the day with a discussion of the day’s objectives over bacon and eggs and ended the tour with draw prizes and avalanche trivia. Camaraderie born in the hills was easily transmuted to fellowship over pints.

Matejovsky, who founded the festival with fellow Edmontonians Geoff and Julie Kramer, of Olive Snowboards, said in the future they’ll stick with what’s been working, namely: small, intimate groups that help grow the splitboarding community.

“We’ve seen that this event brings people together,” he said. “People get in touch with each other after the festival and go riding together.” bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

One of three groups participating in the third annual Ascend Splitfest//b Covey

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Local pride //

tuesday, march 15, 2016 // issue 69 //the jasper local// page B2

A booster shot against homophobia The Jasper Pride Festival is shedding more light in on an already-bright initiative. Meanwhile, Jasper’s local Gay Straight Alliance is hoping to keep the conversation moving forward on how local educators can support diversity in our community.

Reid and Jasper’s local GSA will host an intimate evening of conversations, songs and poetry exclusively for LGBT youth and their allies.

Camp fYrefly co-founder, Dr. Kristopher Wells, said the original idea for the summer camps was to to give students a “booster shot against homophobia”

schools as their sexual orientation and gender identity consultant. He said that while the fYrefly initiatives focus on kids, embracing diversity is the responsibility of the entire community. An easy place to start addressing LGBT youth’s needs, Wells suggests, is with the language we use.

“Language has consequences, language has power,” he said.

“When you say things like ‘that’s so gay,’ that’s a kind of casual homophobia. People say ‘I didn’t mean anything by it,’ but you’re talking about someone’s identity.

If you’re using that kind of language, people aren’t going to be comfortable with coming out.”

Camp fYrefly is Canada’s only national leadership retreat for LGBT youth. The camp has been praised for helping empower young people to become agents of positive change in their communities. Founded in Edmonton, the four-day camp has expanded to offer retreats in Calgary and Saskatchewan, and now offer workshops in Alberta schools.

As difficult as it is for educators to open these conversations, often it’s much more difficult at home. Wells said for parents, the big thing is for them to have open, non-judgmental conversations with their children.

“Children who are questioning their sexual identities and have never heard anything positive from their parents, they may never reach out to their parents for support. That may cause other challenges in their lives when they don’t have safe people to talk to.”

Role models // Former Jasperite Abner Brown (left) was camp Fyrefly’s program assistant last year. He is pictured with coordinator Alison Brooks-starks. // Supplied

“The youth from Jasper who went to Camp fYrefly had really positive experiences,” said Anna Declercq, Youth and Teen Outreach Worker and one of Jasper’s GSA facilitators. “They came back feeling more confident, knowing that they had a community of people who knew where they were coming from.”

On Friday, March 18 at 5 p.m., together with Coco’s Café, the Jasper Pride Festival will help raise money for the fYrefly in Schools program. Folk singer Kate

before they went back to school.

“We wanted to give them all the tools they weren’t getting in their schools to build their personal resiliency and leadership skills, and also to know they weren’t alone and that there was a community that supported them,” Wells said.

Wells, a researcher for the Institute of Sexual Minority Studies, also works with Edmonton public

Happily, Wells said, the Jasper Pride Festival offers plenty of starting points. Get the conversation moving by visiting

www.jasperpride.ca

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page b3+B4 // the jasper local // issue 69 // tuesday, march 15, 2016

LOCAL FEATURE // STORY BY BOB COVEY

Dana Ruddy had been in avalanches before.

One of Jasper’s most accomplished ice climbers and mountain athletes, over the years Ruddy had been hit by spindrift, knocked off his feet by sloughing snow and had been “pushed around” by fine-grained snow falling down steep slopes and gullies.

But those experiences were nothing like what he experienced on February 28. On that day, a day before his son’s fourth birthday, while ski touring in Jasper’s Tonquin Valley, Ruddy triggered, and was subsequently caught in, a class three avalanche. In Canada, snow scientists describe a class three avalanche as being able to bury a car, destroy a small building or break trees.

best to swim for the surface but the av described it as a hell storm of debris.

“It was so violent. When I went under, i said. “I had a moment where I thought Then suddenly, he was spit out. He wa him, the avalanche was piling into a fo ment, Ruddy said, he had a feeling he “I didn’t know how bad it was, but I co the aggression of the avalanche was o may have saved his life, but Ruddy’s o skied down to him, the pair knew righ their own. Before he skied out for help dug his legs out and pulled him down

A little more than a week after the accident, while in hospital recovering from multiple injuries, Ruddy said he felt lucky to be alive.

“When I look at pictures of the avalanche, and when I think of the images of it in my head, I don’t know how I got through it,” he said.

Earlier that day, Ruddy and his ski partner, Sean Elliott, set out for a “lazy” day of ski touring in the Circus Valley. The Tonquin Valley had recently re-opened to winter users and the pair decided to do a mellow exploration of one of the few places in Jasper National Park Elliott had never been. “Sean is probably the most well-travelled person I know in Jasper National Park,” Ruddy said. “We decided to explore some of the valley’s nooks and crannies.”

The slide ra Ruddy’s grim selfie, post-accident // Ruddy and Elliott had been skiing on the north side of Circus Valley, when, at approximately 12 p.m. they opted to skin up the north side and climb over the pass between Peveril and Majestic Peaks. The col sits at around 2,400 m.

The skies were cloudy, the wind was intermittent. The got to the pass at about 1 p.m.

Ruddy and Elliott weren’t looking for a big ski descent; they on both of their packs to insulate his b had made some nice turns on the south side of Manx peak earlier in the day and they were simply trying to pick their way back to Portal Creek. As the snow, and set up their backcountr so Ruddy could boil water. Then he they gained the pass, Ruddy skied down 100 m and stopped. like hell towards Portal Creek.

“I skied to the height of land to where I could see “He was givin’ ‘er,” Ruddy said. “He the whole slope,” Ruddy said. “I immediately saw a going hard.” big wind slab, a big feature. I told Sean to avoid it, Meanwhile, Ruddy was preparing h to stay high and above me on a small bench.” for a long wait. His body was tellin was in bad shape.

Ruddy, however, failed to heed his own advice.

“I could hear slurping and gurgling Instead of hiking back up to Elliott’s track, he me. My ribs were cracking. I heard n traversed the wind slab—a cohesive layer of hard, wind-deposited snow, overlaying a weaker layer. As from my body I’d never experienced he skied over it—Elliott was only 30 feet away—the He also noticed blood on the sno few selfie photographs confirmed slab shattered and the whole slope let loose.

“That was where the mistake was made,” Ruddy said. minor. What he was more concern but he also knew he was in good As his ski partner yelled out, and the slope re“I knew Sean would be fast, I thoug leased, Ruddy said he did the only thing he could: hours for a helicopter to reach me,” point his skis downhill. Instantly, he was hurtling When three hours turned into four down the slope amongst the avalanche debris, had to spend the night, he might n launching off of chunks of solid snow and rapidly the avalanche had left him soaked increasing speed. Eventually, he hit a piece of deto get his stove going were now als bris so hard that he flew through the air, both skis releasing. As trees snapped around him, he did his water. His injuries had rendered hi

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valanche swallowed him up. Ruddy

in the dark, I thought I was dead,” he ‘this is it.’ I’ve never had that before.” as snagged on a tree. Not far below our metre-deep trench. At that mowas going to be OK. ould sense the snow was settling and over.” That old growth spruce tree ordeal was far from over. As Elliott ht away they weren’t getting out on p, Elliott helped get Ruddy’s pack off, nslope. Elliott then positioned Ruddy

feature //

was in too much pain to change into dry clothes. He was very cold.

Finally, he heard the reassuring sounds of a helicopter in the valley. Because the helicopter had to be called in from Canmore, Parks Canada’s normal rescue time was delayed.

“It was a relief when I heard the helicopter,” he said.

After hovering above Ruddy to ensure he was conscious, Parks Canada public safety technicians quickly went to work, setting up a staging area in the Maccarib Campground area and flying a rescuer in via heli-sling.

While the first technician made initial assessments, the helicopter flew back to the staging area, transporting another public safety member to the accident scene. Soon, the technicians had him packaged up, ready to be flown to paramedics’ care in an awaiting ambulance. From there, Ruddy was taken to When Dana Ruddy was rushed into the Jasper emergency room, Jasper’s Seton Healthdoctors used the community’s care Centre, where he Ultrasound machine to help determine the extent of his internal was further assessed before being shipped injuries.

When he heard about the to Edmonton. Ruddy’s incident, Dr. Declan Unsworth, wife, Cristin, arrived at a biking partner and friend of the hospital around 4 Ruddy’s, rushed into the Jasper a.m., approximately an Seton Healthcare Centre to hour and a half after assist. Unsworth said the team scanned Ruddy’s abdomen, Ruddy got there. lung and heart with the portable He spent that night in ultrasound. They were looking an for 600 m, was 200 m across and was up to 140 cm deep the University of Alberta for bleeding, air between the Hospital’s emergency chest wall and lung, and fluid which could have compressed room and was then the heart, adversely affecting transferred to the cardiac output. trauma intensive care Unsworth said what they found made a difference in how he was unit. He was on oxygen treated and what they communi- for the first five days of cated to their Edmonton-based his stay, under 24-hour body from colleagues. surveillance. The docry stove “It helped to give everyone tors were worried about involved some peace of mind. e skied him. His heart, they He was pretty banged up and the likelihood of potential lifetold him, was their e was threatening injuries was high. major concern.

Thankfully his initial ultrasound For a guy who sufassessments were negative,” he himself fered nine broken ribs, said. The Ultrasound Machine ng him he was purchased in 2014 after the two bruised lungs, a community raised more than bruised heart, a bruised g inside $85,000 to acquire the specialspleen and a torn up noises ized medical equipment. - BC earlier that day in the circus valley // knee which required d before.” a complete rebuild, ow, which worried him, until a Ruddy was in surprisingly good spirits on March 13. A big part of that d that the cuts on his face were has been the fact that his family has been by his side, but also, the ned about was his chest trauma, outpouring of support he’s received from the community. hands.

“It’s been incredible, the love from all of the people in Jasper,” he ght it would take about three said. “I feel really grateful.” ” he said.

Post-knee surgery, Ruddy was in a lot of pain, but he was preparr, Ruddy began to think that if he ing himself for the road to recovery. A life-long athlete, Ruddy is not make it. Being immersed in through and the lighters he used used to goal-setting and maintaining a fitness regiment.

“It’ll be a long road but one I’ll recover from,” he said. “Eventually so wet; he had no way of heating im unable to move around and he I’ll be able to ski again and do the things I love.”

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page B5 // the jasper local // issue 69 // tuesday, march 15, 2016

Local pride //

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Local hockey //

tuesday, march 15, 2016 // issue 69 // the jasper local// page B6

The passion of the ice: Don't F with Super Sunday Hold your heads high, Bearcats, you gave your fans quite a ride.

The JHL’s Bonestars and Barley Kings players will want to keep their heads up too, but for different reasons. Their first playoff matchup got a bit spicy at times, and one suspects that if these two face off in the finals, as is expected, the old-time rivalries between players who’ve known each other since minor hockey should heat up. My money is still on the Bonestars, but you never know.

Penalty trouble, a hot goalie or an untimely CN shift can always turn things around.

The more interesting question might be who will be battling it out in the B side. I’m rooting for Royals vs Bongs, because I think it will be the most evenly matched and therefore the most fun to watch. The run-and-gun Royals will have their work cut out for them against the Bongs’ D, while the Bongs will have to connect their cross-crease passes to solve goalie B-star Cliff Kennedy streaking//b. covey The Barley Kings’ Brian Young Dares Joey Hunter to drop ‘em//b. covey Cam Vos. Both teams recruited hard during the off-season, and it’s tough to say which captain is more passionate or vocal, the sideways. Think about it: grown men with anger issues Royals’ Rob Olson or the Bongs’ Jeff Smith. Maybe I getting circles skated around should ask referee Brad Derbowka.

The C Final should not be scoffed at, even though them by face-cage-wearing the game starts before most Outlaws like to get 16-year-olds. It seemed like a out of bed (looking at you, Craig Dodd). There is recipe for disaster. Alas, the a surprising amount of glory in placing second whole thing was called off, last, which is only compounded by the over-sized but not before the Midgets trophy that comes with C-side Victory (thanks, played the Brew Pub in a Dave the Welder). barn burner of an exhibition Undoubtedly, whichever team that lines up on match, narrowly losing 5-4.

Super Sunday will be feel the pressure to perform, Not to dwell on an actual but it’s probably best that it won’t be the Midget hockey team in the JHL reBarley King Seth Carlyle cycling the puck...by himself. //b. covey Bearcats. Inevitably, sticks will fly, tempers will port, but it wasn’t the only boil and emotions will run the gamut. The idea of heartbreaker the ‘Cats were handed lately.

Heading Some background: The Liquor Lodge Beavers, the Bearcats duking it out in the JHL playoffs was into provincial semi-finals against Valleyview on barely able to ice a team of more than eight skaters fun in theory, but there was too much potential for March 13, the Midgets out shot, out battled and out all season, cut their losses and pulled the pin on the hit their opponents as nine Jasper skaters (versus 15) disaster. Baptism by fire is one thing; being sent to playoffs. That left a hole in the schedule that league the firing squad is quite another. came from behind to send the game into overtime. administrators thought could be filled by the ‘Cats.

When that frame didn’t solve anything, they went Cue the controversy. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com for another, where their incredible run finally ended.

Turns out that the threat of not being able to play in

DOZENS OF JASPER HOCKEY PLAYERS GOT THEIR COLLECTIVE JOCKS IN A KNOT EARLIER THIS MONTH WHEN IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE MIDGET BEARCATS BE BROUGHT INTO THE COMMERCIAL HOCKEY LEAGUE FOR PLAYOFFS.

Super Sunday—the JHL’s equivalent of the Stanley Cup finals, but with beer guts—was enough to cause significant stress to those who’ve dreamed all year of skating in front of a crowd. Complaints were filed. Outraged text messages were sent. Was the commissioner really going to let a team of high schoolers steal the glory the JHL brethren paid and played all season for?

Legitimately, there was also the concern of shit going

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