Dear Editor,
As a new resident of Jasper, I have noticed the editorial section of the Fitzhugh is often steaming with letters of anger, frustration and sarcasm. Of course, many of the concerns brought forth in these letters are completely legitimate and need to be addressed. Others however, are completely fickle, petty and do absolutely nothing to suggest possible alternatives—they are simply rants.
Similarly, we have recently learned the completion date for the new municipal library. This is exciting. Sure, the project has run far off its projected due date and budget, but both residents of, and visitors to, Jasper can be thankful for the exceptional services this municipality has and offers. Having lived in Grande Prairie, Grande Cache, Kitimat, Terrace, Prince George, Burnaby, and now Jasper—I can attest to just how fortunate the residents of this municipality are to have the services we do in a town of this size in a national park. I have also worked for three—no four—municipalities, including the Municipality of Jasper (I am a semi-retired lifeguard), and know that big projects such as the library or activity centre can run far over schedule and budget—this just happens. And as taxpayers we have the right to hold those in charge to account.
Moreover, with the completion of the library, Jasper will soon have a nicely developed “cultural/activity corridor” of activities to partake in and enjoy all the way from the information centre to the activity centre. A completed library will only add to the Jasper experience.
Here is what I recommend:
- The Municipality of Jasper, Parks Canada, other stakeholders, and businesses work together to ensure signage is in place to promote and showcase the “cultural/activity corridor” that many municipalities both large and small would be envious to have
- Encourage both visitors and locals to walk or bike to the above mentioned “corridor” and provide any needed infrastructure or equipment needed to facilitate this
- The downtown areas of Connaught and Patricia often get quite busy—which is good—but we also need to promote and encourage both residents and visitors to make use of Jasper’s fantastic outdoor public green and relaxation areas at the new joint school facility and the museum
Indeed, Jasper has a lot to offer, and we are all incredibly fortunate to live here. And while there are definitely concerns and issues to address, as every municipality has, the level of public discourse regarding such issues can certainly be raised a notch or two.
Andy Klimach
Jasper, Alta.
