The Jasper Local July15 2016 by The Jasper Local

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friday, july 15, 2016 // ISSUE 77

PARTICIPANTS OF THE ANNUAL TOTEM POLE CUP, A LONG-STANDING TRADITION AMONG DIE-HARD SKIERS FROM JASPER AND BANFF, SCRATCHED A FEW TURNS IN PARKER RIDGE’S LONGEST-LASTING SNOW GULLIES JULY 9. // JAMIE ROBSON

Scrap paved path proposal, says CPAWS The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society is calling on Parks Canada to ditch their plans to construct a paved, 107 km-long hiking and biking path from Jasper to the Columbia Icefields. The pronouncement is one of 17 recommendations made by the organization in a new report charging that Canada’s national parks are not being managed in a way that Canadians expect, says CPAWS’ Northern Alberta Executive Director, Alison Ronson. “For Canada’s supposedly most protected areas we’re not managing them for nature and that’s a major concern,” Ronson said. The report says that decisions are being made behind

closed doors and with little to no regard for Canadians’ input. Ronson cited the Glacier Discovery Walk in 2012 and the expansion of the Lake Louise ski resort last year as examples of developments which had significant opposition but which went through anyway. “A couple thousand people responded to the Lake Louise expansion proposal in a short time, 90 per cent of the comments were opposed to that development and it still went through,” she said.

CPAWS is suspicious that the Icefields Trail is also a done deal. “That obviously has funds allocated, yet there’s been no environmental assessment conducted, no public discussion about whether this is what people want. It was all done behind closed doors,” Ronson said. See a related story on page A3. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

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page A2 // the jasper local // issue 77 // friday, july 15, 2016

editorial //

Local Vocal The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society says Parks Canada’s priorities are upside down. Knowing the folks in Jasper who put their uniforms on and go to work everyday, this stings a little. However, it’s hard to argue that ecological integrity is taking a back seat to a culture of commercial enterprise when you consider the agency’s track record over the past few years. The latest bee in the bonnet for conservationists concerned about Canada’s mountain parks is the proposed $66 million paved trail from Jasper to the Columbia Icefields. It should be remembered that this is a public works project rather than a development which is privately-owned and profited from, but still, even as a passionate cyclist, it’s hard for me to get on board with this idea. The reason isn’t because I can’t picture how special a family bike tour through some of the most eyepopping scenery in the world would be. It’s not because I can’t fantasize about me and a buddy drafting off each other with nary a worry about getting door-prized by a weaving RV. The reason I don’t think it’s a good idea is because it’s plain to see that conservation staff in Jasper are maxed out and that the proposed path has huge potential to escalate human-wildlife conflicts. Jasper has less resource conservation staff members than Banff. On first blush, this might seem reasonable, considering that Banff gets more visitors than we do. However, when you consider how spread out our park is, the frequency of wildlife encounters which occur and the number of incidents our public safety staff deal with, you start to see that a dozen team members dealing with wildlife conflict issues, rescues and other triaged incidents—not to mention the monitoring and studying that falls into Res Con’s regular sphere of operations—is paltry. A 107 km-long artery into the heart of some of the most important wildlife habitat in the park could mean the difference between park capacity staying afloat and the entire boat taking on water. I’m not one to push the panic button when it comes to the possibility of close encounters of the clawed kind, but it stands to reason that the bears, goats and other fauna we see enjoying the greenery along the side of the road will be right in the crosshairs of a path which parallels that grassy buffet. Look, I’m a big ambassador of Jasper trails. I’m on them every week. But this project is ill-conceived. Cyclists already have a paved path to the Icefields, and it just so happens that the entire parkway is currently being resurfaced. Surely $66 million could be put towards the shoulders: widen those of Highway 93 and ease the burden which rests on those of the park’s staff. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

Dear Editor, On June 28th I received an email from the Canada Day Committee informing me that my Canada Day children’s show had been cancelled due to a planned protest and the presumed possibility of violence. Unlike the nameless faceless people threatening violence, I am taking full responsibility for my views in the video “Sorry Mom, I was wrong about the Holocaust”. Who is threatening violence? If I was to tell local librarians that violence might happen if they don’t remove a book I dislike, should they then remove the book? I thought we had freedom of speech in this country. Am I mistaken? When only some views are allowed to be heard, then we do not have freedom of speech. Period.

All of my life I have worked for peace, environment and social justice. I have not changed. I am still that same person. As I see it, I am at the heart of the peace movement. I do not stand for hatred or violence towards individuals or any groups of individuals. My research journey comes from a place of love in the quest for truth. I wonder how many of the bewildered people have taken the time to look at the items I suggested in my video. For those willing to investigate the Holocaust discussion in Europe, see the now legendary Ursula Haverbeck Panorama interview. It made television history (view it on YouTube). Gandhi said: “Speak your mind even if you are a minority of one. The truth is still the truth.”

Only lies need protection by law. The truth stands on its own.

- Monika Schaefer

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

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sydnee makowichuk...................................................... sydnee@thejasperlocal.com cartoonist

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Local environment //

friday, july 15, 2016 // issue 77 // the jasper local// page A3

TIMBIT POWER? // NIMA ALI-AHMED PEDALLED HIS 60KG BIKE INTO JASPER LAST MONTH. THE MONTREAL MATH TEACHER IS TAKING THE SCENIC ROUTE TO VANCITY. HE HEADED SOUTH DOWN THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY, THEN HOPPED ON THE FAMOUS GREAT DIVIDE TRAIL. AFTER TAGGING THE MEXICAN BORDER, HE PLANS TO RIDE CALIFORNIA’S COASTLINE ON HIS WAY BACK NORTH. // B COVEY

Management goals mixed up: report The same CPAWS report which takes Parks Canada to task for inappropriate developments in Jasper National Park is critical of the agency for focusing on enhancing visitation numbers.

Interpreter and education positions are being cut in favour of marketing mass special events such as marathons, bike races and new recreational activities, the report says. “National parks are being promoted by the Agency less as conservation areas where people can enjoy and appreciate nature, and more as recreation and sport areas focused on built tourism infrastructure,” it reads. The report is critical of budget allocations. It highlights spending on national parks since 2012, claiming that the agency’s Resource Conservation staff decreased by 31 per cent while Visitor Experience staff grew by nine per cent. “Visitor Experience staff are paid to encourage visitation to the park, but unfortunately because they’re not versed in science and conservation, the way they’re attracting people to the park is through inappropriate developments like the Glacier Discovery Walk or high-end experiences that not everyone can afford, such as tent cabins on Maligne Lake,” said Alison Ronson, Exective Director of CPAWS’ Northern Alberta chapter.

Parks Canada has claimed that investments in visitor infrastructure allow more Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn about the environment, but Ronson takes issue with that statement, noting that the majority of people visit Canada’s parks to go hiking, camping and experience Canadian wilderness. “I’d like to see the numbers that show urban people are asking for these developments,” she said. Parks Canada has strayed from its mandate of managing with nature as its first priority, Ronson said. “The most important message is that Parks Canada should return to recognizing our parks are supposed to be our most protected wilderness areas,” she said. Ronson said the report was a culmination of a decade of observing federal government processes and being involved on a day-to-day basis of what’s going on in our national parks. She said it’s important that CPAWS sound the alarm to Canadians that the agency in charge of our protected areas is falling short of its mandate. “If we’re allowing the wilderness within our protected areas to be whittled away by commercial developments, what is the future of our wildlife, our clean air, our clean water?” she asked. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

page B1 // the jasper local // issue 77 // friday, july 15, 2016

Local education //

SONIC BOOM! // JASPER-BORN PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID EDWARDS WAS BACK IN TOWN FOR CANADA DAY AND SNAPPED THESE INCREDIBLE SHOTS OF ONE OF CANADA’S 78 CF-F18S JUST AS THE MILITARY JET PERFORMED A CEREMONIAL FLY-OVER OF THE JASPER TOWNSITE. “I WAS LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED ONLY MINUTES BEFORE THE FLY BY AT 11:33 A.M. [I HAD] JUST ENOUGH TIME TO CLIMB ONTO THE HOUSE ROOF WITH THE LONG LENS,” HE SAID. “IT WAS SO COOL SEEING THESE THINGS FLY AT LOW ALTITUDE IN THE MOUNTAINS.”// DAVID EDWARDS

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP // PARKS CANADA STAFF RESPONDED TO A 911 CALL ON JUNE 29 AFTER A 17-YEAR-OLD FEMALE WAS INJURED WHILE CLIFF JUMPING AT HORSESHOE LAKE. VISITOR SAFETY TECHNICIANS HAPPENED TO BE IN THE AREA PERFORMING TRAINING EXERCISES. TECHNICIANS RESPONDED WITH A SLING HELICOPTER RESCUE AS WELL AS BY GROUND. AFTER REMOVING THE PATIENT FROM THE LAKE SHORE TO A STAGING AREA ALONG THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY, THE PATIENT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE JASPER SETON HEALTHCARE CENTRE, THEN TO EDMONTON FOR FURTHER TREATMENT. THE PATIENT SUFFERED A BROKEN PELVIS, ACCORDING TO ONLOOKERS. // SAM POLLOCK

Local nutrition //

friday, july 15, 2016 // issue 77 // the jasper local// page B2

Trailer park turnover: Jasperites not letting development headaches get them down as they upgrade their homes EIght-year-old Isla Shore is sitting at a small table outside of an apartment room door. Drawings, pencil crayons, string and glitter clutter the table in a happy, artistic mess. Her dad, Greg, wheels his mountain bike out of the adjacent tiny bachelor apartment, careful not to disrupt the creative process taking place in the foyer. He gives his wife Krista a kiss and a time frame of when he’s likely to be back from his ride. “Make sure you clean that up later,” he says to his daughter. “OK dad,” she responds, looking up briefly. Isla’s art station is in the hallway of the hospital staff accommodation apartments because it won’t fit in the tiny suite her parents are renting, but at least it’s in the building. Not so for most of the Shores’ other possessions; they’ve got furniture and gear stuffed in three different friends’ garages around town. Despite the cramped quarters, the Shores are pretty excited these days. The reason is that across town, the finishing touches are being put on their new home. “We made it this long, we can tough it out a couple more weeks,” Greg says. Twelve years ago, while renting out an even smaller space—the “loft” of a friend’s garden shed—Greg found out about a home in Jasper that was up for sale. The lot was right next to a wildlife corridor, meaning it would always have green space on its south side. Fifty feet from the back gate, Cabin Creek trickled by. The only issue was that the home was a trailer built in 1974. Knowing the property might represent his only chance to get into the Jasper housing market, however, Greg scooped it up. For the next decade or so, despite its lack of insulation and single pane windows, the Shores made their retro trailer a loving home. “I’ve been cold for 10 years,” joked Krista. Those drafty days will soon be behind them for good. In June, the Shores, along with the rest of the residents of Poplar Avenue, watched as a massive crane delicately swung a brand new home onto a brand new foundation where their trailer used to be. Many months earlier, after shopping around and discussing the idea with local builders, the Shores elected to purchase a modular-style home. The house would be custom built in Edmonton and trucked to their lot. Finally, after looking at blueprints of their dreamhome on their fridge for what seemed like an eternity, on June 2, the building was shipped to Jasper in two pieces. By 5 p.m. that evening, employees of Western Modular Homes had it connected together. Snapping photos of the operation

MOVING ON UP// GREG AND KRISTA SHORE SEEING THEIR DREAMS TURN INTO REALITY // B COVEY

and marvelling at how their dreams had suddenly become reality, Krista didn’t feel one bit nostalgic for the old place. “That’s where I’ll be making my coffee in the morning,” she squealed, pointing to a nook in the kitchen which was already complete with cupboards and tiles. Down the street from all the commotion, several other home construction projects were rising steadily upward. At one site, on the corner of Ash and Poplar, Keith Libech, working for Kuzminski Contracting, was reloading a silicone gun when his boss’ boss—future homeowner Tracy McKay—strolled up to see how things were progressing. McKay and her husband are one of three families on Ash Avenue who are developing a permanent home where there used to be a mobile one. The fact that Libech and crew had made significant headway since McKay’s last visit was heartening to her, if only because the process of getting the shovel in the ground was so drawn out. “The permit process is super confusing for people who’ve never done it before,” McKay said. “It took us 10 months to get a development permit, where in most places in takes three.” Ask any of the folks developing new homes about navigating Parks Canada’s complex development application process and you get the same look of exasperation. The Shores stressed over variances. (One, which asked for a variance in roof height to compensate for the fact that the sewer pipes were installed higher than they should have been, they received. Another, which requested a modified slope angle in the roof which could have saved them thousands of dollars in shipping, was denied). McKay said she was caught off guard by fees and levies she hadn’t expected. For both families, while it all makes sense now, the weeks—which turned into months—of figuring out what conditions were necessary to obtain a development permit, then a building permit, then a demolition permit, then an environmental impact assessment, then a structure moving permit…could have been much less painful with a simple, how-to guide. “There’s really no instructions,” McKay said. Despite calling it a challenging process, McKay and the Shores expressed gratitude to Parks Canada realty staff who answered their many questions, helped them negotiate the technical documents and suggested ways to avoid getting stalled at the Planning and Development Advisory Committee (PDAC) level. However, considering the likelihood of more trailers being replaced by permanent structures, the suggestion was made to create something to help streamline future processes. “It would make it easier for everyone, including [Parks Canada staff], if there was some kind of manual” McKay said. Parks Canada staff say they agree. Cathy Jenkins, Parks Canada’s realty and municipal manager in Jasper, concedes that the process needs an instruction booklet. She said it’s been on the back burner for a long time, but now it’s a priority. “Now we’ve got additional resources, we can start developing those types of things,” she said. That’ll be too late for those currently developing their new homes, but the Shores, for one, aren’t going to focus on what could have been. There’s too much to do: there’s beams to stain, dirt to shovel and playrooms to set up.

EIGHT-YEAR-OLD ISLA SHORE IS EXCITED FOR HER NEW HOME, WHICH WAS FACTORY BUILT IN EDMONTON THEN SHIPPED TO JASPER IN TWO PIECES ON JUNE 2. SOME ASSEMBLY WAS REQUIRED. // BOB COVEY

“I’ll probably put my toy box down there and a few books,” Isla said. “And my art station.” Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

page b3+B4 // the jasper local // issue 77 // friday, july 15, 2016

LOCAL FEATURE // JASPER FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 9 - 11,

Coming to a folk festiva

Scenic Rou

THE EDMONTON FO FOR A WHIRLWIND TO DROP THEIR NEW THE END OF SEPTEM

The new album is about three best friends recent been busy giving each o flush the toilet or leaves lining the Jasper Folk Fe tains. “We’re going to sp said lead vocalist Trevor off our socks, dancing an

Birds of Bellwoods

THE CROWD FAVOURITE FROM LAST YEAR’S FOLK FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR ROUND TWO AND THEY COULDN’T BE MORE EXCITED TO COME BACK TO JASPER. “It was one of the most beautiful experiences we’ve ever had together as a band,” sa

Kintaro Akiyama. Since last year’s performance the Toronto band has been working on their first full lengt album and will be playing some of th new material in Jasper. Before they h the festival they’ll be living together a van for two weeks touring the west coast. It’s their first time spending th much time in close quarters, but the aren’t too worried. The group of joke are always up to share a good laugh— they even claim they won their banjo player in a poker game in Detroit.

Gordie Tentrees

GORDIE TENTREES IS NO STRANGER TO JASPER, HAVING PLAYED HERE ALMOST ONCE A YEAR FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS.

He played his first show at the Downstream Lounge and since has appeared everywhere from the Old Fire Hall to people’s houses. The Yukon based artist recently wrapped up a 200 date world tour in 2015 and gearing up to record a live record this fall in western Canada. His off the cuff humour and raw storytelling come from years of experiences first as a travelling break dancer and later on as a school teacher and you counsellor. “There are hard core music lovers and som great souls in Jasper,” said Tentrees. “I’m excited to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.”

Tia Brazda

“I WAS PAINFULLY SHY IN HIGH SCHOOL AND INTO UNIVERSITY,” ADMITS TIA BRAZDA.

She pushed herself to play at open mics and gigs around Toron

she’s overcome her stage freight and is heading to Spain in two

in the United States. Brazda describes her style as “swing jazz m

tate to throw on fun outfits for shows — including a blue feathe

the music is bigger than you,” said Brazda. “On stage is where I

feature //

2016 // BY EMILY RENDELL-WATSON

al near you

ute to Alaska

Rosie and the Riveters

OLK ROCK BAND IS GETTING READY D FEW MONTHS AS THEY PREPARE W RECORD, “LONG WALK HOME” AT MBER.

growing up and doing what you love. The tly moved in together in Edmonton and have other “garbage stars” if one of them forgets to s the butter on the counter. They’ll be headestival and can’t wait to play in the mounpice it up a bit and get the crowd involved,” r Mann. “We’re looking forward to kicking nd getting our feet dirty.”

of The Good Lovelies with the harmonies of The Andrews Sisters and the soul of Mahalia

aid

Jackson. The group has been called the “folky

th heir hit r in t his ey ers — o

USING THEIR POWERFUL VOICES TO EMPOWER AND CELEBRATE WOMEN, THE BAND GETS THEIR INSPIRATION FROM THEIR NAMESAKE, ROSIE THE RIVETER. Their music mixes the sweetness

uth me

Spice Girls” and they promise to bring Jasper the whole package. Their high energy shows feature colourful 1940’s dresses, signature red lips and Mary Jane shoes. Before you know it you’ll be singing along and tapping your toes as they bring you to a simpler time and place.

Warrior Women

“We want people to leave our show feeling joyful,” said band member Allyson Reigh.

JASPER LOCALS MATRICIA AND MACKENZIE BROWN DRAW INSPIRATION FOR THEIR MUSIC FROM THEIR CULTURE, THEIR DRUMS AND THEMSELVES.

It’s been the busiest year yet for the mother-daughter duo—they’ve been writing new songs and holding workshops on song writing, drumming and heritage crafts. Matricia said they try to live a balanced life but she often feels like they have moccasins in two different worlds. “We try to remember our songs and our stories and our culture, but also balance that with contemporary life.” The First Nations drummers and singers will be opening and closing the festival with their haunting harmonies and soulful drumming.

nto to become comfortable on stage. Years later

o weeks to play at a jazz festival before touring

meets blue collar blues” and she doesn’t hesi-

er boa. “You stop being self-conscious because

The Barrelmen

A LAWYER, A GRAPHIC DESIGNER, A COWBOY AND A LOGISTICS MANAGER MAKE UP THE SASKATOON BASED BAND “THE BARRELMEN”. They’ve been playing together for four years and “aren’t trying to get famous.” The four family men play at barn dances and house concerts a few times a year but they’re all about quality over quantity. The band shares instruments during their shows, passing around a banjo or taking turns hopping on the drums for a few songs. “We start playing and have an instant connection with each other,” said banjo player Tyler MacKenzie. “These guys are my best friends.”

I feel most connected with people.” Emily Rendell-Watson // emily@thejasperlocal.com

page B5 // the jasper local // issue 77 // friday, july 15, 2016

Local education //

Ultramarathoner finding the freedom of fitness Six years ago, Jasperite Kim Stark could hardly run three kilometres. “I remember running along the town trail and thinking I was going to die,” she recalled. Despite the difficulties of starting out, Stark desperately wanted to get in shape. After spending all her time concentrating on her business, she wanted to focus on her fitness. She turned to an athletic friend for advice on how to get into running. “Amanda said ‘don’t run so far that you hate it,’” Stark laughed. “So I started out by going to the Petro Canada and back. The next time I’d add half a block.” When she made it from her place in Cabin Creek to the former Amethyst Hotel, on the east end of downtown, Stark remembers feeling overjoyed. “The next time I made it to the overpass and back. That felt good,” she said. Six years later, on July 10, Stark set out with hundreds of other athletes on the 100 mile (160km) Sinister 7 Ultramarathon. It took her more than 29 hours to complete the legendarily

gruelling course, but she finished before the cutoff time. She was only one of 19 other women, in a field of more than 60, to do so. Seventy per cent of all soloists dropped out early. “I’m pretty determined,” she said. The 42-year-old was under the weather before the event started, making her typically-queasy stomach even more so. Half way through the race, she could only consume the most minimal of calories. “At one point I had run 40 miles and all I had to eat was one pretzel,” she laughed. The owner of The Bear’s Paw and Other Paw Café said although she could barely force down food, she was lapping up the positive energy she received on the trail. One fellow runner kept watch over her during a particularly arduous stretch. “He wouldn’t let me out of the light from his headlamp,” she said. “He said ‘not until we get to the aid station or until it’s light out.’” At her darkest point, Stark was huddled under an emergency blanket, sipping hot water, cramping up. She had three hours to complete the rest of the notoriously punishing stage six. She had already pushed herself through wet bog, up interminable greasy banks and over muddy double track. She only had 10 km to go, but she had to dig deep. “I got up to go just before dawn. I knew once I got up from that I’d finish the race,” she said. This wasn’t Stark’s first ultramarathon. Last summer she completed the Great Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache. But the Sinister 7 was longer and harder. She confessed the 100 mile distance was something she wanted to check off her bucket list.

CRUSHED IT // SIX YEARS AGO, KIM STARK GOT INTO RUNNING. LAST WEEK, SHE COMPLETED A 160 KM ULTRA.. // L WILKINSON

“I don’t set a goal, even internally, if it’s something I don’t intend to do,” she said.

Stark first came to Jasper from Winnipeg two decades ago. Her first job was pumping gas, then she drove cab, then she saved up enough money to buy her first café. Those long hours spent baking bread in the middle of the night or agonizing over staffing her booming business may have helped hone the mental toughness she uses to push her body to the limit, but don’t expect her to overanalyze it. “It’s just who I am,” she shrugged. She’s not an athlete, she insists, although being fit has allowed her to live more freely. She’s travelled the world during her quest to run a marathon on all seven continents and in general, being in shape gives her the confidence to try new things. “I’m not naturally athletic,” she said. “But fitness has given me freedom.” Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

friday, july 15, 2016 // issue 77 // the jasper local// page B6

Local nutrition //

RAPPEL STATION // THE AUTHOR LEARNING TO BELAY WHILE CLIMBING WITH ROCKABOO MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES.

TECHNIQUE GEEK // JASPER TOP-ROPE INSTRUCTOR TEREZA TURECKA HELPS BEGINNER CLIMBERS FIND THEIR CONFIDENCE. HERE SHE CLEANS UP RYAN TITCHENER’S LEAD ON CASTLE MOUNTAIN, NEAR BANFF. // RYAN TITCHENER

Facing fears, finding features and female finesse I peer over the ledge and the dirt path is 100 meters below us, a straight vertical drop. My heart pounds in my chest. After a few minutes of stalling, local climbing guide Tereza Turecka eventually coaxes me to lean back and walk backwards off the ledge. I am terrified. My breath shortens and my hands shake as I slowly belay myself down. As the rope pulls through my fingers I inhale and try to remind myself that Turecka is above me with a backup system. Even if I somehow manage to let go of the rope, the backup rope will kick in. Halfway down, I start to settle in and despite my quivering legs, I crane my neck around to get a glimpse of the Athabasca River below us. Our guides from Rockaboo Mountain Adventures are well aware of potential newbie climber qualms and calm our nerves by preparing us to climb the wall we just rappelled down. This is the part I’d been eagerly waiting for—the chance to dig my fingers into the rock and get up high. Despite my terrible fear of heights, I still crave the stunning views and adrenaline rush of being among the mountain tops. Turecka and our other guide, Francois LaPlante, teach us how to tie knots, handle the rope and use verbal commands. We pull on each other’s harnesses to safety check them, and make sure our carabiners are locked tight. We’re climbing at Morro Slabs, a 15 minute drive from Jasper and a popular spot for rookie climbers. After I get over my initial fear of rappelling, I

quickly learn how to climb using features in the rock to pull myself up. It’s tough going at first, and I spread eagle against the limestone wall more than a few times. “Put your foot straight into the rock, to gain more traction,” Turecka suggests. I’m using my limited arm strength and tiring quickly. As a long time speed skater, my legs have always been bigger and stronger than my arms—and it’s painfully obvious as I struggle to get up the wall. I barely make it a quarter of the way before stopping for a break. Turecka coaches me to use my core and legs, and look for good holds in the rock. “Most women don’t just power through. They think about their movements. What they don’t have in strength, they make up for in technique,” says Turecka. She says there are a lot of strong women climbers in Jasper and it’s important to find role models in the sport. Women often look at routes differently than men because of the difference in height and strength. “Climbing with other women is badass,” says Turecka. Turecka started climbing as a teenager in the Czech Republic, and her love for the sport grew when she moved to Canada four years ago. “It’s the adrenaline of getting to the top of a mountain,” says Turecka. Some of her favourite climbing spots are Syncline Ridge, Rock Gardens and Lost Boys. Syncline Ridge is a 150-metre-high limestone climbing area east of Jasper. According to what I can gather, it’s a great place for experienced climbers to expand

their route-finding skills. I doubt I’ll be heading there anytime soon. Although it was no Syncline Ridge, my first experience top rope climbing certainly took my breath away. I even climbed to the top of the rock wall by the end of our lesson. I’ve never seen the Athabasca River from that perspective before, and it’s a beautiful way to experience Jasper. While I may not be cured of my fear of heights, the rush from climbing is enough to leave me anxious to get back on the rock again. And I’m lucky to have strong woman climbers like Turecka in Jasper paving the way for women who want to learn about the sport. To book a rock climbing experience, contact Rockaboo Mountain Adventures at 780-820-0092. Emily Rendell-Watson//emily@thejasperlocal.com

We’re happy to welcome Emily RendellWatson as The Jasper Local’s new freelance writer. Send Emily a story idea or take her on an adventure she can write about. Get in touch with her by emailing emily@thejasperlocal.com or calling 780-852-9474.

Local distance // ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// JASPERITES KATIE POIRIER, SAM LEBLANC, ANGE BLAKE, SIMONE HEINRICH, MARIEANDRE ARCAND, MARNIE OATWAY, VAL BARTZIOKAS, KIM STARK, MIKE D’ANTONIO, BRUNO BERGERON, WENDY COPP, JESSY DION, JOCELYN NADEAU, LORRAINE WILKINSON, TIFFANY TOUSSAINT, TERRI SMITH, ROBIN BANGLE, GILLIAN THOMPSON, BECCA BRITTON AND CARO ROY TOOK PART IN THE SINISTER 7 ULTRAMARATHON JULY 8-10. EVEN MORE INCREDIBLE THAN THEIR RESPECTIVE RACES WAS THE FACT THEY WERE ALL ABLE TO GET TOGETHER AFTERWARD FOR A GROUP PHOTO, WAY TO REPRESENT, FOLKS! // SUPPLIED