Loosen Wi-Fi restrictions

I just recently landed in Jasper and am deeply in love. Since my arrival, I can honestly say nothing but positive things about your community. Scenery aside, it is - without a doubt - one of the friendliest places on Earth.

When I got here, one of the first things I wanted to do was plunk my carcass at a Starbucks or Timmies, have a coffee and check my email. A very gracious young man visiting as a seasonal worker chuckled as he told me about Starbucks’ persona non grata status. I will admit to being a little irked upon hearing Tom’s news - for about twenty minutes.

Then it hit me. Props to you for standing up and saying no thanks to the corporate cannibals who chew up local commerce. Nobody needs another Banff. Jasper doesn’t want Starbucks, doesn’t need Wal-mart and even has the might to say Mc-see-ya to Ronnie . I love it! It’s a municipal stance I will defend with pride.

So, what’s my problem? Well, it’s this town’s incomprehensible crusade to prevent free access to WiFi signals as if it were the last bottle of water at the Jasper Root Romp. What’s up with that? It’s the internet, people! 

Until today, it’s really only been a minor irritant and rather cute actually. Sure it annoys the hell out of our European guests who receive Wi-Fi just as they do oxygen. Not here.  

After the passengers boarded Via’s Canadian bound for Toronto, a European gentleman in the station was told the WiFi signal was for Via customers only and should leave. I was next on their hit list. A lovely young lady approached and tried to tell me we were taking up valuable seating from weary travelers - in a station that’s mostly empty, much of the time. 

If I hadn’t been left speechless, I would have brought up how I constantly rave about rail travel and wish more people would utilize it. I could mention how I have conversed with countless people from countless countries, offering directions and/or suggestions on Jasper’s many amenities. I shoulda described how just moments before he left Jasper, a Dutchman visiting from Australia felt when I let him see the highlights of his (former) country beating Denmark in the World Cup. It made his day and seemed like the Canadian thing to do at the time.

And I hope it goes without saying - while I may not be a customer of Via at the time, I am still an owner of Via all of the time...

Of course, Via isn’t the only culprit participating in these internet antics. Local businesses are just as culpable. I think it’s time you realize a Wi-Fi internet signal is like the air we breathe. Accessible to everyone and impossible to limit or control. It costs the same whether I use it, everyone uses it - or no one uses it. It just is. Many are from countries and communities who’ve readily given in to this ‘progress’. It’s time for Jasper to do the same. All aboard!

Jim Dillon