For those who didn’t participate in the draft community sustainability plan process, here is your chance.

The town is earning an unwelcome reputation for a lack of participation in civic life, as the sustainability plan – a document that could shape the look of the town for 30 years – received only nine comments. The draft operations budget, which is currently shaping a hefty tax hike, hasn’t fared much better.

Parks Canada released its draft management plan on Tues, Nov. 24. and is counting on public comment to shape the direction of the park. For the next six and-a-half weeks, comments will shape how parks addresses wildlife, tourism, land use and many other factors.

Why should Jasper care?

There are several reasons.

The most immediate, disappointing news comes in the form of caribou numbers, which are down 30 per cent in the park. The Maligne herd numbers are estimated at four and work must be done sooner rather than later to protect the species. This debate has raged in Jasper for at least 20 years, as environmentalists and backcountry outfitters debate the role of the park, and the consequences of cutting off access to portions of the park. The door is once again open for temporary closures of Maligne road.

Parks is clear on one thing: The public can influence this decision.

Yet while caribou grab the headlines, there are many other elements of the draft management plan that could greatly affect the town.

Parks is calling for a two per cent increase annually in visitation over the next three years. They hope to draw those extra visitors during the shoulder season, but there is still no plan to determine the capacity of the park. Is two per cent enough? How many cars on Cavell Road are too much? The park has seen attendance numbers grow by about two per cent over the past few years, but there are still signs of concern. Charter tour gate revenue was down by about 50 per cent, but family traffic continued to grow. Parks is putting an increased emphasis on visitor experience. What are the consequences?

A land use change to protected land proposes to allow new usages in the park. While no proposals have come forward, it could pave the way for cell phone towers and micro-hydro plants to be installed in the back country. Wilderness, renewable energy and public safety will all converge in that debate. What happens could be dependent on actions in other mountain parks. However once again, the public can influence this decision.

The role of First Nations has also increased, which is a welcome change. For too long, local First Nations people have not been included in the National Park, and there has been misunderstanding about their role. This needs to be addressed.

The Parks management plan affects the entire community, and the process is democratic and transparent. This includes the more than two million visitors annually.

Parks Canada must also increase its ability to reach out to the public, and engage the community in dialogue. A public open house on the day the report is released is not enough.

Democracy is for those who show up. Complaining after the point, without engaging, is simply sour grapes.