Conflict and debate often lubricate the grinding gears of democracy. These conflicts often fill our pages and spur discussion. However on occasion, time must be made to celebrate accomplishments within the community.  

Such is the case this week.

Jasper’s community garden project is under way and spreading good will. After an acrimonious beginning and the infamous battle of Lion’s park, gardeners have literally gotten their hands dirty and transformed a piece of public space into a small green oasis. Young and old are busily planting vegetables and flowers.

Jasper has had its problems with green thumb projects, and it appears they are not alone. The greenhouse project in Hinton is in jeopardy due to the fact they are having difficulty finding enough people to sit on the board of directors. Those involved want to grow, not govern and this has stalled a worthwhile project. Is there cross-pollination potential between the two groups? Perhaps the busy bees involved in Jasper should investigate. 

There will be further developments in Jasper’s community garden project, and thanks to the hard work by a dedicated group of volunteers who sought new solutions whenever conflict reared its head, there is a great deal of flowing momentum. Anyone who visits the new garden beds is sure to note the care taken in their construction. Now as long as the species stay within the garden and don’t re-emerge elsewhere as invasive species, Jasper has something to celebrate.

The presence of wildlife guardians in Jasper is also a positive development for the community. The realization that bear jams are essentially inevitable and can be an educational experience is a case of finding a positive, immediate solution for what has been a problem. Wardens and resource conservation officers are already stretched, so an extra pair of eyes and ears to teach and combat problems such as the idiotic feeding of bears can only help in the short term.

There is still concern surrounding the number of bears living roadside, and the risk of habituation is present, however ensuring the animals and public remains at a safe distance from one another is a large step forward in the preservation of wildlife on the landscape.

And finally, the farewell of the totem is warranted. Often debated, even more often photographed, its allure on Connaught Dr. this week has been unmistakable. It should be encouraging to the Haida in Massett how much attention the pole is creating before it is returned to its rightful place on the landscape - amidst the Haida Gwaii.

Native groups are working out the details of the new totem, and Parks Canada continues to facilitate greater movement. The process is not without its detractors, however a gathering this weekend at Snaring campgrounds for Aboriginal Awareness days will hopefully shed some light on this significant cultural and spiritual decision. We encourage the public to participate in aboriginal awareness days this weekend and learn more about first nations on the landscape.

Good news and opportunity abound within the park. 

There is no shame in celebrating that fact from time to time.

Now, how’s that pedestrian underpass coming along...