Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
Don’t be fooled by the flurries. Spring is here, meaning Jasper is starting to get ready for the summer wave of tourists.
This isn’t an exhaustive breakdown but rather a taste of what this mountain community is doing to prepare for a safe season.
Parks Canada is launching campground reservations for Jasper National Park starting April 9 at 8 a.m.
Reservations will open for Wapiti Campground, Wabasso Campground, Pocahontas Campground, Overflow Campground (May 21-24 only) and Palisades Centre.
Those eager to visit the newly-renovated Whistlers Campground will have to wait a bit longer until a separate launch day sometime in June.
Once launched, campers can book their reservation online at www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/reserve.
Businesses, meanwhile, have begun running career advertising in the Fitzhugh for seasonal workers and others with some employers offering accommodations as well.
Those looking for work should endeavour to pick up a copy of our paper to see what opportunities are available to them.
As well, the community will once again see businesses use sidewalk or parking spaces outside their premises for seating or product display.
Although there is no change to bylaw pertaining to commercial use of public space, the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce says there is a clearly defined list of “dos and don’ts” available to help operators get their patio/retail operation up and running.
An application guide is available for the 2021 sidewalk seating/retail area extension permit. Contact the Municipality of Jasper for details.
But tourists and residents alike are encouraged to stay mindful as bears begin to emerge and the coronavirus continues to circulate throughout the world.
Bear sightings can be reported to Jasper Dispatch at 780-852-6155, while more information on bear safety is available at Parks Canada’s website.
As for COVID-19, current restrictions and other information can be found at jasper-alberta.com or www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx.
