Sitting in the (new) Fitzhugh office on Connaught Drive, looking out at the beautiful landscape that is Jasper National Park, myself from just days ago would be wondering how I got here.
I am playing the last-minute role as publisher and editor for this week’s edition, filling in for Fuchsia Dragon, who I have heard nothing but good things about from those I have already met in the community: as well as a couple of, “those are big shoes to fill.”
I hail from Merritt, B.C., myself, as the editor of the Merritt Herald, one of our sister papers. I received the call from the big brass on Friday to ask if I would come fill the position temporarily here in Jasper, and thought hey, why not take an adventure.
So I packed up my car Saturday morning to make the six-hour trek east, and arrived in town late Saturday night.
I have been to Banff a few times, and it has made me always want to come to Jasper, but I am still in awe whenever I see the mountains out here.
What we call mountains in the B.C. Interior is far different than what Jasper calls mountains.
I am certainly hoping to see more of this beautiful town and its surroundings before I head back to Merritt: so far my tourist stops have included the Fitzhugh office, the rink, and the Tim Horton’s.
Merritt is not much larger population-wise than Jasper: our population sits at roughly 7,000. When I arrived there from Toronto in December, I was in awe at the genuineness of small-town folk: everyone may know everyone else’s business, yes, but most are there to lend a helping hand and help you fit in to your own small-town niche.
In just the scant few days I have been in Jasper, I have been given the same feeling. You meet a lot of interesting people in this industry from all walks of life, and so far everyone who has come into the office or I have seen at events and meetings has been willing to help me fit in, even if it is a very short stay. Offerings of meeting for a coffee, or even just taking my phone calls and chatting about my quick adventure here, have helped make this work trip (and the drive) worth it.
So kudos to you, Jasper. My fingers are crossed that I will at least get to spend a day after this checking you out. And I hope this edition lives up to the standards that Fuchsia has set them to.
Anyways, back to your regularly scheduled news cycle.
By Jake Courtepatte
