The Jasper Local November 15, 2019

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thejasperlocal.com

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friday, november 15, 2019 // ISSUE 157

MIST OPPORTUNITY // GRANDE PRAIRIE’S JEANLUC GABOURY EXPLORING THE COLUMBIA ICEFIELDS AREA. // TYLER WEBER PHOTOGRAPHY

Parks Canada drilling for water to determine feasibility of caribou breeding facility Jasper National Park has staked out an area near the Geraldine Lakes Road as a potential caribou rearing location.

Approximately one kilometre up the Geraldine Lakes Road, which itself is located approximately 30 kilometres south of Jasper on Highway 93A, a large spur road fitted with protective matting

has been built to allow heavy equipment access. At the end of the rig matting, construction crews have been drilling for water.

The water well is part of a study to assess whether the location would be feasible for future caribou conservation measures, such as captive breeding, according to Parks Canada. The ongoing

research into the feasibility of conducting captive breeding was discussed at Jasper National Park’s annual public forum, in April.

“If it is determined to be feasible, the next step will be public consultation on the subject,” said Steve Young, JNP Public Relations and Communications Officer. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

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page A2 // the jasper local // issue 157 // friday, november 15, 2019

editorial //

Local Vocal We’ve reached a new milestone in our daughter’s development: fibbing.

It’s typical behaviour of a three-year-old, so I’m told; as kids start to mature cognitively and socially, they begin to understand that other people have their own thoughts and beliefs.

Predictably, the first lies children learn to tell are denials of wrongdoing: Yes I brushed my teeth, dad; No I didn’t sneak any Halloween candy, mom. Next, we adults start teaching them how to fib to benefit others. You know, the “white” lie: Yes I sure do like the itchy sweater you gave me, grandma; No I can’t see your bald spot from across the room, dad.

If lying is a normal behaviour for our kids, why then are we so surprised that lying is normalized amongst our politicians?

The answer, of course, is that they’re supposed to know better.

In Alberta, the electorate has been spoon-fed more than its share of whoppers over the last few months. One of the biggest ones of late is that our economy is hurting so badly because the NDP overspent. Rarely is it mentioned that revenues went down the tubes with the collapse of global oil prices in 2014-15.

All of this leads to the conclusion that we can no longer afford overly-generous public services and gives the UCP the austerity mandate that is threatening the safety and security of families all across Alberta. But if framing our problem as one of spending, rather than a function of world markets, is politically convenient, then suggesting our economic problems are a result of NDP bloat, rather than a product of Alberta’s low taxes, is disingenuous at best. Consider this: if we taxed at the next-lowest provincial tax rate (Saskatchewan’s six per cent), we could raise an additional $11 billion per year. Bye bye, deficit.

Of course, the biggest piece of fiction, one that no Alberta politician seems capable of disavowing, is the so called “Alberta Advantage.”

For decades, we enjoyed Canadian-standard services without paying Canadian-standard taxes, as windfalls from past oil and gas booms allowed us to cover large portions of our operating budgets. Those windfalls are no longer, yet politicians remain paralyzed by the idea of facing that reality. Instead, Conservatives cling to the myth of the “Alberta Advantage” and ask their constituents to accept services and infrastructure that fall behind, all the while blaming our woes on Ottawa.

It’s hard enough teaching a three-year-old the importance of telling the truth. Adults are supposed to know better. But unless Albertans decide to show their government there are consequences for fibbing, we can expect the lies to proliferate. bob covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

Wildfire management cuts will burn

The Government of Alberta recently released a budget that cuts wildfire funding, which will significantly decrease the success that Wildfire Management has in deterring, detecting, and fighting wildfires.

The GoA plans to cut the Rappel program (a helitack crew specifically trained in rappelling into a wildfire where helicopters are unable to land), eliminate 30 lookout towers (human-manned towers that monitor vast areas of forest and report weather for analysis), and cut one airtanker group (these groups spray retardant and water on the areas around wildfires in order

to prevent their spread).

By decreasing provincial funding, Alberta will have to call for aid from other provinces and countries in order to combat wildfires.

This means that it will be more costly to transport personnel and aircraft to fires, and the wages earned by these resources will be spent out of province.

While the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshan says that Rappel crews only spend two per cent of their time actually rappelling into a fire, that does not mean that their services are not necessary. If crews are not trained in rappel action, then even the possibility

of a crew being able to fight a hard-to-access fire is significantly decreased.

Lookout towers are one of the best and most effective ways of detecting wildfires before they reach an unmanageable size.

Airtankers are needed all across the province to help deter wildfires from reaching population centres, industries, and watersheds. They are instrumental in effective wildfire fighting.

If you are an Albertan, please sign the petition at Change.org to call on the GoA to roll back the cuts to wildfire funding.

Grace Fullerton, Edmonton

The Jasper Local //

Jasper’s independent alternative newspaper 780.852.9474 • thejasperlocal.com • po box 2046, jasper ab, t0e 1e0

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friday, november 15, 2019 // issue 157 // the jasper local// page A3

SHARING IS CARING //JASPER’S NEW TOY LENDING LIBRARY AT THE ANGLICAN CHURCH HALL IS OPEN SUNDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS FROM 3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M. // MELODY GABOURY-SCOTT

MOJ managers confident local services will align with province’s new model

Despite impending changes to family support programs across the province, the Municipality of Jasper is confident that Jasper’s human services model is well-aligned with how the government plans to roll out its funding.

Meanwhile, a new volunteer-led Toy Lending Library which invites families to a twice-weekly play date is thriving.

When news dropped that funding for Jasper’s popular Parent Link program was being discontinued, local moms and dads were distraught. Social media posts decried the move, calling the resource “irreplaceable,” “amazing,” and “crucial.”

“Parent Link Centres across the province are a life saver to parents of young children,” wrote Jasper father of two, Darren Langley.

But as town managers learned more about the Alberta government’s new funding opportunity for early intervention and prevention programs, they became optimistic that Jasper’s unique approach to service

delivery will mirror the forthcoming Family Resource Network model.

“There are aspects that make me enthusiastic about moving forward,” said Director of Community and Family Services in Jasper, Kathleen Waxer.

That’s not to say that the amount of money allocated to CFS programs across Alberta will be the same as current levels, but the basic framework of the new model—consult with the community; service families and children aged 0-18; and encourage more coordinated service delivery—are already hallmarks of Jasper’s early intervention programming.

“Those are things we’ve been doing all along,” Waxer said. “We’re already steps ahead of the game.”

And speaking of games, the Anglican Church has a new space for kids to play. Melody Gaboury-Scott started the Jasper Toy Lending Library because she was tired of seeing piles of toys around her house that her kids had become disinterested in.

Since she initiated the twiceweekly program, families have been coming together,

not just to sign out toys for the week, but to help support each other in their journey through parenthood. With coffee and treats donated by local businesses, it’s a chance for parents to share stories while the kids share toys, she said.

“It’s a nice opportunity for families to get to know each other,” she said.

Gaboury-Scott hopes other Jasperites will feel welcome to get involved.

“We’re always looking for volunteers,” she said.

The Toy Lending Library operates Sundays and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m.

- 5:30 p.m. at the Anglican Church Hall (Geikie St. and Miette Ave).

As for Parent Link, its programming will remain the same until at least the spring, at which point the province’s new funding structure will roll out. Waxer is cautiously optimistic that CFS’s funding proposals, which are due in January, will be successful.

“I believe our program meets the criteria right across the board,” she said.

Bob Covey //

bob@thejasperlocal.com

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page B1 // the jasper local // issue 157 // friday, november 15, 2019

Slurp it up//Jasper National Park wildlife have been packing on the pounds leading up to winter. //Simone Heinrich

SUNDAY• NOVEMBER 17 • 2019 11AM TO 4PM

CHRISTMAS JASPER ACTIVITY CENTRE (MULTI-PURPOSE HALL)

$2 ADMISSION

ARTS, CRAFTS, AND HOMEMADE FOOD ITEMS

CHARITABLE EVENT

ALL PROCEEDS GO TOWARDS JASPER COMMUNITY SUPPORT INITIATIVES

local wildlife //

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Local recreation//

friday, november 15, 2019 // issue 157 // the jasper local// page B2

Members of the little smoky Caribou herd seen outside of Grande Cache. Winter access closures in the name of caribou conservation have been in place in JNP backcountry ski areas for 5 years now. // Fast Eddy Dostaler

Five years on: confessions of a frustrated ski advocate For some, five years is not a lot of time. For a few skiers with long memories, however, five years is a considerable stretch.

But going five years with no apparent, viable solutions and no positive progression for either ski opportunities or caribou conservation in Jasper National Park?

In that case, five years is an eternity.

In 2014, sweeping winter closures for caribou conservation, under the auspices of the Species at Risk Act, extended to the Maligne and Whistler’s Creek area. Prior to that, the closures took effect in the Tonquin Valley area (2009) and the Brazeau and La Peche area (2013).

Most skiers have respected and supported Parks Canada’s efforts for caribou conservation but I have to wonder, is there still an interest in cross country, lite touring and back country skiing in JNP? Or have winter access closures and inconsistent valley bottom skiing (due in part to weather and the back and forth challenges of PC decisions/budgets), combined to create a lack of stoke for locals and visitors?

Over the years, I’ve done my share of barking up the

ski opportunity tree—be it questioning, challenging JNP’s Winter Offer, sticking up for skiers at many meetings/open houses or suggesting solutions. My ideas are based on my own on-the-ground, freeze-it-out observations. As an advocate for skiing in this park, I have a good feel for the winter vibe.

JNP, in the past, has recognized and valued local knowledge and input, particularly during the “I hereby propose emotional years, a solution. Let’s leading up to redefine the word and following the caribou clo“average.” This can sures. For a few be done only by us, euphoric seasons, the skiers.” there was even a harmony of hopeful conservation.

Ski and ski hut opportunities were discussed; however, those conversations were short-lived. The reality of limited ski options, shifting Parks Canada priorities and not enough skiers to advocate for their sport straggled any progress on the ski opportunity side.

Where has past involvement got me? Kinda nowhere and kinda crazy.

While interspersed with small successes, eventually, even those small victories were overshadowed by disappointment and inconsistencies. So much so, in fact, that the decision not to groom the Cavell Road (2019), unfortunately, inspired me to cut deadfall on an unofficial trail beside the Cavell Road. I was caught

and charged by park wardens for damaging a natural object (rightly so).

Where did this illegal act get me? Nowhere. More importantly, where did it get skiing in JNP? Definitely nowhere. This winter, the Cavell Road is still not being groomed/packed by Parks Canada, skiers seeking access to HI-Cavell and beyond to the Alpine Club of Canada’s Wates Gibson hut and the Tonquin Valley will still struggle. Is it fair to rely on the generosity of the Tonquin Valley Outfitters and their sleds to pack this for skiers wanting to access any of these winter experiences?

In any other mountainous winter destination, the ski qualities of the Cavell Road would be promoted, valued and skied. But again, there are not enough skiers in JNP to defend Cavell’s attributes. Why can’t the Tonquin Valley Outfitters, HI-Cavell Hostel, the ACC and Parks Canada work together, for a common, realistic winter union?

Does skiing matter in this Park? Many would suggest there are a multitude of winter activity options for the average visitor to JNP. While I agree with this decree, I also think it’s naive. And the skier in me shudders with the use of the word “average.”

I hereby propose a solution. Let’s redefine the word “average.” This can be done only by us, the skiers. We must not rely on anyone, except for the avalanche, weather and road reports—as well as the mandated conservation measures, of course—to dictate how and where we shall ski. Take charge. Get fit. Learn how to wax. Adapt to the various conditions of winter and, if you have to, buy more skis to take advantage of other ski opportunities.

This newly defined “average” skier will adapt and ski on.

It might sound intimidating, but skiing—groomed cross country, lite touring and backcountry— is worth it. Celebrate by, happily kicking the word “average” goodbye.

Five years later; I know what I’m going to do. Caribou don’t have a choice. But the rest of you do.

Loni Klettl // info@thejasperlocal.com

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page b3+B4 // the jasper local // issue 157 // friday. november 15, 2019

FEATURE story // by bob covey

I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT WHEN I THINK OF CRUSHING ICE, I THINK OF MOSCOW MULES, BELLINIS (IF IT’S TUESDAY), OR, IF I’M FEELING FANCY, MAYBE A MINT JULEP. So when my buddy Dylan asked me if I wanted to “crush some ice tomorrow,” considering it was the middle of a cold snap in early November, I looked at him somewhat suspiciously.

Before I could even Google “strongest patio heaters in Jasper,” however, Dylan was raving about ice climbing conditions along the Icefields Parkway. Knowing that bellini season was at least four months away, I reluctantly agreed to join him.

“Shades of Beauty is a Jasper classic,” Dylan rhapsodized after picking me up at 8:15 a.m.

“It’s three pitches of waterfall ice, with the second pitch being the steepest.”

As Dylan drove south, I was distractedly repacking my bag in the passenger seat of his car. Along with the

requisite “crushing” tools that I borrowed from my wife—ice axes, crampons and helmet—I was jamming in any item that I thought would help ward

But I do like hiking and if there’s a prettier canyon walk in Jasper National Park than the Stanley Falls trail, I certainly haven’t walked, screamed nor barfed in

Dylan Payant secures an anchor after pitch 1. // bc

off the “screaming barfies,” that sickening sensation of blood rushing back into one’s frostbitten hands after holding metal picks over one’s head all day. Thus, I wore or carried four pairs of gloves, two down jackets, two toques, a waterproof shell, bib pants and a thermos of hot tea. What can I say? I hate barfing.

“Shades of Beauty is a Jasper classic, it’s three pitches of waterfall ice, with the second pitch being the steepest.” it. And so, after stopping at the Beauty Creek hostel to join our friends en route to the trailhead, there were soon eight of us

Shades of Beauty overlooks the sunwapta valley to the North.//

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SHADES OF EXCITEMENT: FLAILING UPWARDS ON A JASPER CLASSIC

plodding down the snowy path, a veritable rainbow of Gore-Tex, stopping periodically to snap a photo of the bubbling brook which cascaded behind various curtains of ice.

Delicious.

But if Beauty Creek was the day’s amuse bouche, and the hour long hike (including a 100

metre slippery scramble) was the sweaty appetizer, our group was hungry for the main course to begin. As a party of six, we rigged up in two groups of three. In each group, one bc climber carrying two ropes would lead, while the next two climbers, one on each

Mat Trotter leading the final pitch // bc

rope, would follow behind. It all sounded very efficient until I was three-quarters up the first pitch and my crampon flipped off. Apparently I hadn’t secured it on correctly. After somehow flogging my way to the top of the icefall, Dylan chucked the poky, stainless steel implement up to me.

“Don’t try to catch it,” Matt advised.

The 15 metre second pitch of

Caro, I regained my focus and shook out my exhausted arms.

Another few metres and I was spent again, but this time as I came off the ice, one of my axes stayed put. Now what?

Luckily, Caro is as cool under pressure as she is athletic and as I dangled helplessly from Jo’s belay, Caro calmly climbed up to one stuck tool and handed it down to me, the other stuck tool. What are friends for?

Pitch two, The last pitch the crux. involved less drama and more heady views as we hacked our way high above the Sunwapta Valley. Well, Jo did the hacking.

With noodlelike arms, I was gingerly placing my axe picks in the holes that his created. I wasn’t so much as picking the ice as I was petting it. Nevertheless, I hauled myself to Shades of Beauty is the crux, the top of the final pitch where, and as Jo steadily made his way underneath a massive rock up the vertical wall of ice, I overhang, lay a perfect place had trepidations. Could I even to collapse into starfish pose, get up this thing? The answer errr…have lunch. Jo and Caro was…not without help. After did burpies. Different strokes. falling off once and swinging The descent offered an airy from the rope, pendulum-style, rappel, which, if you’re a into my climbing partner climber, means a chance to gracefully abseil off the cliff using the rope and a special friction device.

Watching my friends soar into space was thrilling. My own herky jerky technique was more flail than float, but once I had both feet back on the ground— and both down coats snugly zipped up—I could safely say I had indeed climbed ice.

Did I crush it? Not til bellini season, bro.

Bob Covey //

bob@thejasperlocal.com

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page B5 // the jasper local //issue 157 // friday, november 15, 2019

Local arts and culture //

Empty room, Full Orkestra: European sound clash at the Jasper Legion There’s a musical tale out of the legendary Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, which tells of

the first time Sting’s old band, The Police, performed there. if you met anyone that says they were at that gig, chances are good that they are lying. Apparently, only a stray handful of people caught that first Toronto show.

I felt quite a similar notion whilst catching Lemon Bucket Orkestra play at the Jasper Legion last week. For a few songs, there were the same amount of people on stage as there were on the dance floor: eleven.

Full disclosure: I’m a seasoned fan of Toronto’s Lemon Bucket Orkestra. Having previously lived outside of Toronto myself, “The sign of a great band I have seen the is if they play the same group play on way whether they’re a handful of ocin front of a miniscule casions around audience or a huge, the city, much sweaty, pulsating crowd.” to my dancing delight.

I’m also a fan of the flugelhorn player Michael Louis Johnson. If you’re ever in the Big Smoke, make sure to check out the Saturday afternoon set he performs while also bartending at a lovely hole-in-the wall joint known as The Communist’s Daughter.

The band blends many a sound from Eastern Europe and the Balkans with a Middle Eastern touch. Mixing choral singing (in a variety of European languages such as Bosnian, Romani, Lemko, Serbian, and Odessan) with a plethora of instruments, their liner notes read like a musical instrument museum: violin, accordion,

Toronto’s Lemon Bucket Orkestra played a full set even though crowds were uncharacteristally thin at the Legion. // Adam Hvisc

guitar, darbouka (a middle eastern drum), alto sax, tambourine, the aforementioned flugelhorn, sopilka (a Ukrainian flute), clarinet, trombone, and a lovely white sousaphone with lemons drawn on the inside.

I was hoping that a town like Jasper with such a rich European population—the many Czechs, and handful of fellow Slovaks (first generation Slovak myself)—that there would have been more of a buzz about town with Lemon Bucket Orkestra playing. Maybe it was just a tough sell on a Wednesday night with colder temperatures settling in.

I lazily apologized on behalf of the town to a few band members for the shoddy turnout.

With a humble stride, they told me that is what gigging and touring is all about; the odd off, empty night can occur.

Either way, the handful of us that were dancing had a great time, especially when the band hopped off the stage and danced alongside us, playing their instruments to end their show.

That’s the sign of a great band; one that plays the same way whether they’re in front of a miniscule audience or a huge, sweaty, pulsating crowd. I can attest that Lemon Bucket Orkestra does it all. On behalf of the 11 of us who loved every second of their show: sorry you missed it.

Adam Hvisc // info@thejasperlocal.com

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local remembrance //

friday, november 15, 2019 // issue 157 // the jasper local// page B6

Stand easy// The Jasper Legion Celebrated 100 years with a mess dinner/gala on November 2.

local students honoured the service and sacrifice of Canada’s veterans by placing poppies on the headstones of those who served Nov 4.// bob covey