The Jasper Local March 1, 2020 by The Jasper Local

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thejasperlocal.com

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sunday, march 1, 2020 // ISSUE 164

MOON LANDING // SPLITBOARDER MISA MANASKOVA EXPLORES AN OTHER-WORDLY CAVE IN THE STUTFIELD GLACIER AREA// LADA D PHOTOGRAPHY

Parks greenlighting secondary suites Parks Canada is changing its policy to allow Jasper homeowners to develop secondary suites. Beginning March 2, homeowners may apply to Parks Canada for a permit to build a secondary suite, or to rent an existing suite that was not previously permitted. “This change is a result of a new policy designed to promote more affordable housing for the community,” a press release states. “This is one of many

initiatives that will have a positive impact on the number of rental units available in Jasper.” Parks Canada is hosting open house drop-in hours at their Realty and Municipal Services office. On March 5, members of the public with an interest in knowing more about secondary suite options can ask questions of Parks Canada staff. “The development of secondary suites will be allowed in the majority of the townsite, with the exception of multi-

unit dwellings,” reads the release. A secondary suite is a self-contained living space that is within the primary home, has its own kitchen, sleeping and bathroom facilities, and is rented on a monthly basis, according to Parks Canada. The March 5 Open House will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Parks Canada administration office, located in the Heritage Train Station on Connaught Drive.

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page A2 // the jasper local // issue 164 // sunday, march 1, 2020

editorial //

Local Vocal Parks Canada is changing its policies to allow secondary suites, which they say will promote more affordable housing for the community.

But will it? Are we really to believe that there are a whole bunch of homeowners out there with unused spaces who are just waiting for the OK to start renting them out? Or is it more likely that those spaces, where they exist, are already chopped up and suited out? Those who’ve had to live in those spaces—in other words, most of us—know the answer to that. What this policy change seems to be addressing is the impending lease renewals which Cabin Creek homeowners, in particular, will have to deal with when their 42-year leases come up in 2022. But because complying with Parks Canada’s new policy will be an enormous expense for most homeowners, if Parks Canada is bent on enforcing it, it will likely mean the folks currently residing in those suites will be left with no place to live. That’s the cold, ironic reality of this policy: less places to live, not more. Equally troubling is how the recent hard line interpretation of Parks Canada’s land use regulations will devalue the homes currently on the market. I’m talking now about Private Home Accommodations (PHAs), which have suddenly been categorized as a home-based business. Home based businesses are not to occupy more than 10 per cent of the building’s gross floor area, which seems logical for an office or crafting studio. However, it becomes less logical if that rule is carried over to PHAs. Most homes fit with a PHA are valued based, in part, on that suite’s earning potential. For Parks to suddenly say those PHAs can’t be used in the way that homeowners have been historically doing is unfair. Imagine if you took out a mortgage on a house based on the earning potential of its PHAs that have been hosting guests for 40 years, then learning that—sorry, the rules have changed— you can’t actually book those suites out. It’s a financially crippling scenario. Parks Canada said it’s making the changes based on the feedback it heard. Or was it the feedback they wanted to hear? It’s all well and good to want to increase the rental spaces in Jasper. But for many (most?) Jasper homeowners, the only way they can get in the market here is to rent out a PHA. This meddling—well-intentioned as it might seem—is going to leave families, and renters, in the lurch.

Caribou deserve a chance Dear Editor, This is in response to John Wilmhurst’s letter to the editor: put me down as being in support of continuing the closure covering the the Maligne herd (unless, of course, JNP has data pointing in the other direction). Risking the ire of backcountry enthusiasts, of which I am one, I echo the precautionary note of

Mr. Wilmhurst’s letter; let’s not be too hasty! Sure, I’ve managed to ski in the Bald Hills multiple times prior to the onset of the closures, and it is some sweet terrain. However, as a former PC employee (not in this region and albeit for a short time), my sentiment has always been skewed towards conservation and protection. Despite the modern-

day rephrasing of the national parks’ purpose (look at the preamble to the original National Parks Act), it is still a question of finding a balance between use vs enjoyment of the people. Considering the pretty small percentage of the country that is truly preserved and protected (including species at risk), ...Continued on A3

The Jasper Local //

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sunday, march 1, 2020 // issue 164 // the jasper local// page A3

A tradition of inclusion: March is Francophone Month Surrounded by tin cans of maple syrup, colourful sashes and posters advertising poutinethemed feasts and french theatre, if you didn’t know Guillaume Roy was the coordinator for the local Francophone Association (ACFA), you might think his office was a direct portal to Trois Rivieres. Jasperites can expect to see a lot more traditional Québec culture on display in the coming weeks as les Rendevous de la Francophonie (Francophone Month) kicks off March 1. “One of the goals of Francophone Month is to bring more anglophones to our events,” said Roy, who recently celebrated his one year anniversary as a Jasperite. Similar to how French speakers graciously switch to English if anglos are in the conversation, Francophone culture is inclusive by nature, says Roy. And if the suite of performance art events—all considerately subtitled— doesn’t convince Jasperites to get into the spirit, then certainly the various menus on offer throughout the celebrations will help people

SURE AS SUGAR //ACFA MEMBERS SERVING DELICACIES FROM CABANE SUCRES PAST. // FILE PHOTO

take the plunge. Think maple-beer ham, crepes, tourtieres and sugar pies.

she searches for her identity while travelling between Alberta and Québec.

“When I think of Francophone touchstones, I think of a traditional dinner, shared amongst friends and family,” Roy said.

“We’ve never had French theatre in Jasper,” Roy said. “I think this is a story that people here will relate to.”

For Francophone Month 2020, Roy and the ACFA are hoping to expand that guest list. The annual Sugar Shack at the Sawridge Inn (March 1) kicks things off; a board game night (March 3) will give teens and young adults an opportunity to hang out sans maman et papa; a pair of “professional nomads” will present on travelling safely, on a shoestring (March 16); and a one-woman play at École Desrochers (March 8) will constitute the main event. La Fille Du Facteur explores the journey of a woman as

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what’s the big deal in maintaining these area closures just a little longer, to be absolutely sure that we are doing the right thing? Sure, immediate gratification is the flavour of the times, but can we not exercise just the smallest degree of self-control as a species, and respect all the others that

For others, it will be an entirely new experience. Roy said that’s exactly the point of Francophone Month. “Unlike many Franco cities in Alberta, Jasper isn’t known as a community that’s been French since it was founded,” Roy said. “Today, thanks to the work of a group of parents at École Desrochers and the fact that we’re in a national park, Jasper is a great place to experience Francophone culture.” To dive in, check out the schedule of events on the AFCA Jasper Facebook page.

have co-evolved with us? Our environment is a reflection of ourselves. As some have found, there’s backcountry skiing/snowboarding despite the closures. You’ve just gotta look a little harder. Lutz Rauhe, Jasper

page B1 // the jasper local // issue 164 // sunday, march 1, 2020

local Community //

//Raven Bistro Owners Mike and Ashley Kliewer have teamed up with local seniors to raise money for a new bus. On March 10, The Raven will be donating 100% of sales to help the Evergreens Foundation meet their goal of $180,000. At right, riders on the current, aging bus. // bob Covey

Restaurant rallying to get seniors bus rolling A local restaurant known for giving its patrons a reliably excellent dining experience wants to make sure local seniors have a reliably excellent transportation service in Jasper. Ashley and Mike Kliewer, owners of The Raven Bistro, have teamed up with staff at the Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge for a fundraiser that promises to pair delicious flavours with community spirit. On March 10, the Kliewers are hosting an all-day fundraising event at The Raven, wherein they will donate 100 per cent of food and beverage sales to the purchase of a new community bus. “Let’s face it, we’re all going to

need that bus eventually,” laughed Ashley Kliewer, whose kitchen has been pumping out pristine plates all February thanks to a can’t-miss lunch promotion. In fact, the Seniors Bus is meant for all community members right now—ambassadors of the service want to make sure Jasperites know the Alpine Traveller (the recently-adopted moniker for the

“This bus will allow our elders to continue to facilitate adventures.” bus) is for everybody. Christina Richards, resident coordinator for the Evergreens Foundation, is promoting the twice-monthly trips to Hinton ($20) and the Friday town runs ($7) to all members of the public.

“We’re open to everyone,” Richards said. “It’s a great way to get some shopping done if you don’t want to, or can’t, drive.” The Alpine Traveller has long helped Jasperites with their transportation needs. Janet Barker, who turned 91 in January, is one of many local seniors who’ve spent countless hours knitting, baking and raffling to raise money, bit by bit, to ensure the service has been available. Last year, the Jasper Seniors Society passed on that nest egg—worth about $75,000— to the Evergreens Foundation. Since then, thanks to the donations of local businesses and the annual Cookie Walk, which raked in $4,000 this past December, the current kitty stands at just over $100,000. Their goal for a new bus and a reserve maintenance fund is $180,000, according to Richards. “We’re getting there,” she said.

That’s thanks in no small part to the Kliewers, who are currently trying to squeak in more reservations for their March 10 event. The couple got the idea for the all-day fundraiser after they were approached by Richards with a request for a donation. “The Evergreens Foundation does an amazing job of keeping our elders connected to our community,” Ashley said. “This bus will allow them to continue to facilitate adventures.” The Raven is also getting a fundraising bump from Sysco Foods, who’ve agreed to donate a portion of the groceries, with which Ashley and her team will create culinary magic. “It’s extremely generous,” Richards said. “We’re so grateful they’re helping us.” Find the Alpine Traveller’s bus schedule on the Alpine Summit Evergreen Facebook page. Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

sunday, march 1, 2020 // issue 164 // the jasper local// page B2

Local trails//

Midnight groomer sculpts a snow trail to perfection Some artists paint pictures, some artists write songs and some artists design buildings. And then there is Jasper’s JF Fortin. Fortin sculpts trails out of snow. Every Thursday and Sunday, after his daughter goes to sleep, Fortin puts on his winter boots, dons his gloves, coat and hat and clicks on a small headlamp. He walks out his front door to his yard and locates two orange ropes—one of which he’ll connect to his backpack and one of which he’ll hold in his hand. The other end of the ropes are attached to a six foot long pulk sled, which itself is kitted out with a custom-machined tiller and grooming “comb” that Fortin adapted himself. In five minutes, Fortin can walk to the Cabin Creek trailhead, sled in tow, ready to embark on his twice weekly winter mission: grooming an 8.5 km trail circuit on the Pyramid Bench. “I used to do it for myself,” says Fortin, who works as a mechanic at the Fairmont JPL. “But now I do it as a sort of project for others to enjoy.” Since January, JF the Trail Faery, as he’s been christened by Jasper fat bikers and hikers alike, has put in hundreds of hours on the west end of Jasper’s extensive

trail network, smoothing, raking and packing down a snow trail with his homemade sled-groomer. Depending on the trail building required, the grade of the slope and the energy in his reserves, Fortin will fill the sled full with snow to weight it down, stopping periodically to fill in soft spots with a shovel. For up to five hours he’ll trace paths between Trail 3 and Trail 8, always culminating with a pass on what’s become known as his piece de resistance, the Wildland Route know as Fire Escape. “It’s got the perfect flow,” he says. “And I think it’s even better in the winter than the summer.” Fellow fat bikers are in agreement. The snow fills in the spaces between the rocks and roots, makes the soggy, swampy sections a distant summer memory. Like a digital tracer in a video game, the path shows the rider the perfect line to maximize the landscape’s natural contours and transitions. With just the right momentum, taking the trail’s banked turns seems effortless. “It is such a fluid trail,” Fortin says. “It flows so easy.” To get it in such terrific shape, of course, has been anything but easy. But although the grooming and the shovelling and the shaping has been hard work, for Fortin, it’s also been a meditative experience.

“I love looking back and seeing those groomer marks, it’s very satisfying,” he says. And what’s even more satisfying is knowing that others are enjoying it too. Fortin says he gets a kick out of reading other trail users’ comments on social media. Even better is when he sees someone in person, riding or running with a huge smile on their face. “I love it,” he said. “The other day someone said ‘You must be JF… thank you!’ and rode by.” Not that he’s done the work entirely solo. Other walkers, riders and bootpackers have helped pack down Fire Escape and its connecting arteries, and he’s even lent out his sled to keen Jasperites who want to open up other trails on the Pyramid Bench (watch the Jasper Winter Trails Facebook page for updates on Sidewinder and Razorback). That’s all good for Fortin, who, when he’s not logging miles on local snow biking circuits, is working on a new grooming prototype which will carry his bike while he leaves crisp corduroy in his wake. For although he may be a dedicated trail sculptor, he’s not about to claim exclusive rights to his art work. “This is for all of us to enjoy,” he said. Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

JF Fortin’s grooming machine, made from his daughter’s sled and scrap metal//bc

page b3+B4 // the jasper local // issue 164 // sunday. march 1, 2020

FEATURE story // Story By David harrap

THE FELLO of the DREA TWO PR

BY: DAV

“I’VE HAD THE MOST BRILLIANT IDEA,” I SAID TO LIAM ONE LUNCHTIME.

wasn’t coming. Scrap plan A. I came home another lunchtime and said to Liam: “I’ve got an even better plan.” “What is it now?” “We’re going to invite both Prince William and Harry to climb Christie with us. I’ll get the invitation to the Duke or an equerry this weekend.” I was pumped. “Dad! You really think you can just invite them to come? Where are they going to stay?” “On the living room floor by the window. That’s where we put

were on an official visit for the centennial celebrations of Saskatchewan and Alberta. They were coming to Jasper on their weekend off. Their visit here was unofficial, supposedly all hush hush, but the whole town knew; yet when you asked the Corporation or the captains of industry it was nudge nudge wink wink we ain’t got a clue. As part of Alberta’s celebrations, the Alpine Club of Canada were climbing 100 different mountains that summer; and leaving special registers on

I hadn’t given any thought to how I’d get the invitation to Prince William. Turn up with it in my hand, I suppose.”Your Highness, my son and I would like to invite you to come scrambling while you’re in Jasper. We’ll pick you up at 9 a.m. sharp.” No rigmarole, just, “Have a good pair of boots, and I’m sure the Lodge will pack you a lunch . . . See you on Saturday, then.”

all our guests. At a pinch, one could even sleep in the bath if they prefer separate bedrooms.” I gave it a wink, but he wasn’t fazed. “I’m NOT staying here,”said Liam, indignant. “And what car do you propose to use?” “I was thinking of bringing the Green Machine out of retirement? I’ll just check there are no anti-royal stickers on the back, like Get a proper job, Charlie.” “You do realize that the whole town will find out and think you’re completely mad.” “They already do. Anyway, we’re not telling anyone.”

Then we heard Prince William

The Queen and Prince Philip

every summit. Liam had applied for a mountain: he got Mount Christie. Dreamers and dangerous men. That was us. Maybe we would pull it off; at the very least we’d have a damn good job trying. Liam wrote up the (first) invitation. When I got home it was on the table, spelling mistakes and all. But it got me going. Blimey! Her Majesty in town. At JPL. If I’m going to get the invitation to them I’d better do something. Can’t really give them Liam’s, what with its typos and breezy style. I typed another invitation and hand-wrote the envelope: “By Hand—His Royal Highness Prince Philip” But it isn’t easy to

“What now?” he said, bored. “Go on, see if you can guess. It has to do with a forthcoming event.” “I DON’T KNOW DAD.” He was getting irritated. I better tell him. “Well, the Queen is coming, right? And so is Prince William. My amazing plan is, why don’t we invite Prince William to come scrambling with us?” A look of disbelief on Liam’s face. But not because of my madcap idea. “What do you think?” “Actually, Dad, I’d thought the same thing a few days ago.” “You never said anything.” “Dad! Because it’s just too crazy.” “But it’s not, Liam. He’s a young virile lad, chomping at the bit with all the regulation stuff. I reckon he’d jump at the invitation. Give him a break from Grandma. We could take him up Esplanade; that would shake the fizz out of him. Or Cinquefoil.” And that’s how two dreamers hatched their plan.

OWSHIP AM and the RINCES

VID HARRAP

deliver an invitation—by hand— to the Duke of Edinburgh, even if he is, more or less, just on the other side of the railway tracks. At 7 a.m. Saturday May 21, 2005, I rode my bike to Jasper Park Lodge for a scout around. No royal heads visible. Nothing. I went into the lobby and spoke to the Front Desk manager. “I know the Queen and Prince Philip are staying here,” (no

THOSE WHO DREAM BY NIGHT . . . WAKE IN THE DAY TO FIND THAT IT WAS VANITY: BUT THE DREAMERS OF THE DAY ARE DANGEROUS MEN, FOR THEY MAY ACT THEIR DREAMS WITH OPEN EYES, TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE. -LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

Puffing out his chest, and with an ingratiating smile Peabody proclaimed, “It will have to go to protocol.” “Yeah, but couldn’t someone nip over to Outlook Cabin with the invitation, or pop it on the breakfast tray beside the pot of Oxford marmalade? Or is Her Majesty’s favourite the

“ We could take him up Esplanade; that would shake the fizz out of him. Or Cinquefoil.”

point beating around the bush) “and I have this invitation for the Princes to join us on a mountain climb . . .” Astonished gapes. The whole front desk was looking. “It’s the Centennial Climb . . .” I rambled on, “and I was hoping there might be someone in the royal entourage to slip it to.” “Yes, quite. Well you better have a word with the manager—ah, there he is now.” He pointed out the last person I wanted to see: Dutton Peabody, Assistant Manager of Jasper Park Lodge. Momentarily, I wished for the big buffalo head to fall off the wall and squash me. I gulped, gave him the dope and showed the invitation.

Dundee?” I figured on letting Dutton know it wasn’t the town idiot grovelling before him. Dutton ignored my marmalade question and again said, “It must go to protocol.” Protocol? I wondered if it was a little room somewhere in the Lodge, with a brass plate on the door, PROTOCOL. “Protocol? Where’s . . . what’s that?” I asked. “It will leave here, go to Edmonton for the RCMP to look at, then if it’s deemed

appropriate it will be passed on to the right people.” “Edmonton? The RCMP? Our simple invitation to the Princes to come climbing with us?” I wasn’t having the cops poring over it—no doubt for traces of anthrax or cyanide—and checking my medical files. Well it just wasn’t on, and I told Dutton so. “I think I’ll have a look around, see if there’s someone I can give it to.” “I’d prefer that you didn’t,” he said. But I was already heading for the door. With a bit of luck the Duke might be taking an early stroll around the lake. I could even find him caught short and in the bushes: he’ll have plumbing problems like all us old fogies. Instead, from out the bushes popped the Secret Service. There was a “closure due to elk” tape stretched over the trail. Who were they kidding, with cameras everywhere and two plainclothes police in the bushes? I might be naive when it came to protocol but I ain’t daft. “Hello,” I said to the police woman. “Must be very important elk to have the police looking out for them.” She smiled feebly. I told them what I was doing, showed the invitation, and asked was there a chance? Of course there wasn’t, but it was worth a shot. I came back to town. Our invitation not delivered. Well, I’ll just have to get it into the right hands tomorrow—when Her Majesty comes to church . . . (Next: The Return Of The Queen) Note: If any names have been changed it’s to spare the blushes of Jasper’s stolid citizens.

David Harrap//

harrap2017@gmail.com Jasper’s David Harrap is the author of the soon-to-be-published book Over The Mountains, Under The Stars. His exploits have been known take the fizz out of more than a few Dutton Peabodys.

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Local art

page B5 // the jasper local //issue 164 // sunday, march 1, 2020

Jasper artist bringing her creative spirit to national television Mackenzie Brown is used to being on stage.

As an Indigenous singer, drummer, storyteller and presenter, Brown has performed all sorts of events, for all sorts of audiences, all over Alberta. But now the 24-year-old is stepping onto a new stage, one with a national following. Brown is one of six artists selected to compete on Landscape Artist of the Year Canada, a show that promises to entertain and inspire while showcasing some of the country’s most iconic scenery. “It’s a show that connects well,” said Jakki Roussel of Blue Ant Media, the publishing house that is responsible for the show’s distribution. “It will leave you wanting to paint, or start a new hobby.” Painting is nothing new for Brown, whose vivid acrylics have been featured in galleries all over the province. Her work has been recognized by the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Awards and last year she won an Esquao Award, an honour bestowed on female Indigenous leaders. Brown’s murals can be seen in libraries and schools, including the Jasper Jr./Sr. High School and she’s sold paintings to travellers from around the globe. “In Indigenous culture we believe everything has a spirit,”

she said. “I try to evoke that “I had to redefine the way I spirit with my paintings.” paint, but still carry over my own style.” The majority of Brown’s works depict aspects of her Cree When it was finally showtime, heritage. Her shimmering, Brown and her fellow vibrant portraits of animals competitors were ushered to often combine mediums: acrylic a secret location and told to paint with glitter or beading, create. They painted farmland, for example. But she had a lack marinas, industrial landscapes of landscapes in her portfolio, and lakes, all in front of a so when Landscape Artist of camera. the Year Canada came calling, “It was so different from the Brown wasn’t sure she’d be right mountainscapes I’m familiar for the competition. with,” Brown said. “I thought, ‘I’m not qualified Pushing her boundaries helped enough,’” she remembered. “I her grow. As did meeting her thought it sounded too hard.” fellow competitors. Unlike But then her other reality TV mom, mentor series, where the “I try to evoke that participants often and fellow Warrior get combative in spirit with my Woman, order to advance, paintings.” Matricia Brown felt Brown, gave nothing but love her some from those she motherly advice. was competing against. “She said ‘doing hard things “I think artists know we’re all are what make you a better in it together,” Brown said. “We person,’” Mackenzie said. “That know that if we don’t support was the push for me to go.” each other, we might not make it.” After applying—then being accepted—to compete on the Brown is certainly making it. show, the first challenge for Not only on Landscape Artist Brown was to practice her skills. of the Year Canada, but with The timed, elimination-style her other artistic pursuits, as format of the show meant she well. She and her mom recently had to train herself to complete finished their latest Warrior a painting in less than four Women record; she’s got a full hours. Every night, for two schedule of performance art months leading up to the film booked this summer; and she shoot, she brought out her art continues to work with youth, supplies, easel and a stopwatch. using art and music therapy

Juno Nominee

NEIL HARNETT Returns to Jasper for one night only

Sunday, March 8, 8PM

Tickets $10 Call 780.852.5222 www.olivebistro.ca

Landscape Artist of the Year Canada airs Sundays at 9 p.m. et/pt exclusively on Makeful. // supplied

Familiar face//Mackenzie Brown’s submission piece.

in harmony with her degree in Child and Youth Care. “I’ve learned that to be a role model in my community I need to delve into my culture.” Whatever the stage, for Brown, she’s making connections

between herself, her art and her community. Catch her latest artistic expressions on Landscape Artist of the Year Canada, available on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Makeful.

local community //

sunday, march 1, 2020 // issue 164 // the jasper local// page B6