The area closure on Cavell Road is set to lift, and debate is sure to begin again about balancing nature and tourism. It’s clear Parks Canada must act to protect its remaining caribou, and there are certain to be several other measures taking place over the next few years to ensure this happens. It’s encouraging to hear Parks Canada state a wolf cull is not the proper avenue, as was the direction taken by the provincial government.

However it’s becoming increasingly obvious Parks Canada must also offer some sort of concession to the tourism sector. Easing access to the Tonquin is obviously not the answer, but there are other locations in the park that can provide alternative offerings for snowshoers, cross-country skiers and others.

The temporary Cavell area road closure was not implemented because of capacity, but biology. Parks should move some of its resources usually dedicated to grooming Cavell Road to another location with less of an effect upon wildlife, and offer increased educational experiences to teach visitors about caribou.

Parks delivers many excellent programs as part of its summer offering. Interpretive programs, trail maintenance, etc. Since visitation numbers are so much higher during the summer, of course funding will follow, however an investment should be made to boost visitor experience for those interested in visiting the park during the other eight months of the year.

The funding must follow during the winter if Parks Canada’s two per cent visitation increase is going to make any sense whatsoever. There capacity during the winter months, and economically, it makes sense. That should come in the form of increased trail maintenance, programming and access during the winter.

The area closure is certain to become an annual event, as biologists require multiple years of study to collect a suitable amount of data. Those hoping the closure would be a one time event should abandon all hope.

We support measures that will protect caribou in the national parks. They are an integral part of the local ecosystems and one only needs to look south to Banff to see what increased pressures can do to this fragile species. However in order to keep public support for measures designed to save these iconic creatures more, efforts to attract AND educate visitors about wildlife should be made.

The area closure was followed by residents and visitors alike. We behaved. Now it’s time to throw us a bone.
 

We Believe, too

Kudos to Jasper for offering such a warm welcome to the Canadian Olympic Women’s Hockey Team. There has been nothing but praise for their time spent in our corner of the Rocky Mountains, and the community should take pride in such a high level of hospitality.

The women’s team was very courteous and generous with their time, while also sending the message they are focused on the task at hand.

Organizers of the event should be applauded for keeping things moving, and attempting to involve the community when necessary. It’s been a long time since the Jasper Activity Centre was packed for hockey, and the event shows the venue is still capable of producing a positive atmosphere.

Hopefully the women will soon return to Jasper – with newly minted gold medals around their necks.