Many residents gathered to watch the massive rock being pulled from the CN parking lot on Connaught Dr. on March 18, when it was placed further down the street at the location of the new public washrooms. 

Since then, the rock project has continued and is nearing completion. Ron Stanko, a historian and volunteer involved with the project, got out and painted the elevations of nearby mountains on the rock on July 6. Also painted on the rock is the mileage to Wickenburg, Ariz. – the end point of Highway 93.

The rock is part of the Mile Zero project that started with the construction of a rock cairn at the east end of Jasper. Maggie Davison, CEO of Tourism Jasper, said that Wickenburg recently claimed the end of Highway 93.

“Wickenburg has claimed the end of Highway 93, so it needed a beginning,” she said. 

The rock has a long and mysterious past in Jasper, and it’s still unknown how it rolled into its location at the CN parking lot – which is part of the appeal. 

“What we (Tourism Jasper) find fascinating is the whole mystery behind the rock,” Davison said. 

What is known, is that the rock has been a part of many Jasperite’s lives, and there are many stories involving this piece of Jasper. 

“It’s a part of Jasper’s history, so it’s nice to resurrect it,” Stanko said. 

An interesting piece of the Mile Zero project is that Wickenburg has a historic train station and a steam locomotive on display in their town – right in line with Jasper’s own locomotive and rail history. Davison said many people talk about driving “up” the Icefields Parkway, but she hopes the new designation as the start of Highway 93 will encourage people to start their journey in Jasper. 

The rock project is still underway. The Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives will be putting up interpretative signage with information on the highway and what’s known about the rock. A time capsule is to be buried underneath the rock, a project being organized by Stanko and Ken Quackenbush from the Municipality of Jasper. Also assisting the project is ATCO, who donated the paint and supplies. 

The rock was previously painted white with the elevations on it, but had faded before it was moved to the new spot. 

“It has been restored to its former glory,” Davison said. The rock was placed at the only spot where it would accurately point to each mountain. 

The rock is a great way for guests to connect with local residents, as the stories about the rock are representative of Jasper’s unique culture. 

“It’s actually a celebration of community,” Davison said. 

Tourism Jasper and the municipality are discussing other projects to fully mark the beginning of Highway 93, and are hoping to continue to market the rock as a new and exciting story for tours and outside media.