Miette not what it used to be
Dear Editor,
In August 1962, Hans and I were married. After spending several years at university we were a poor young couple. Where could we go for a honeymoon getaway? We hopped into our second-hand Morris Minor and headed to Jasper National Park. Our destination was Miette Hot Springs.
At that time, the one time gate charge was a couple of bucks and pool charges were the same. We lucked out, getting a tent cabin with bunk beds and no running water at the Miette Hot Springs Resort for under $10. Hiking was free. Wow, what a glorious experience. We were in love – with Jasper National Park.
Could young Canadians today afford the same experience? The gate fee has increased to $20.75 per day. Full service camping fees are $40.25 and campsites are $22.75. Check well in advance for the cost of other accommodations. Miette Hot Springs pool, presently run by Parks Canada, is very reasonable at $6.05 per adult, and they are making a profit. The present government is threatening to turn over this money maker to a private company. Expect an increase in fees and a decrease in wages for workers.
Want to take a hike? Coming soon – Brewsters’, which is owned by Viad of Arizona, Glacier Discovery Walk. Blasting and building is underway. 180,000 Canadians were opposed to this project. It will cost $15 to $30 each to see this manmade structure. Why take a free walk in the park when you can pay big bucks?
According to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, “Decision makers do not widely recognize returns to the Canadian economy. For example, in 2009, $800 million spent by Canada’s 14 park agencies generated $4.6 billion toward Canada’s GDP, supported 64,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the country and returned $300 million, or 44 per cent of the expenditures, in tax revenues, excluding income tax, to government coffers.”
This fantastic resource should belong to Canadians, not private corporations. It should be affordable to everyone.
Doris Intscher,
Jasper, Alta.
