Jasper National Park's outgoing superintendent, Greg Fenton, was honoured at the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce's business and ambassador awards, Oct. 15, receiving a surprise award for outstanding service.
Fenton, a born and raised Jasperite, has been superintendent since 2007. He resigned in September to accept an assignment as special advisor on development regulations with Parks Canada's national office.
His special ambassador award was presented by Pattie Pavlov, general manager of the chamber.
“Greg has been a lifelong ambassador for Jasper National Park on a local, regional and national stage and has worked hard to ensure that the [park's] ecological integrity and cultural values are conserved and that there are many opportunities for visitors and guests to experience and appreciate this very special place.”
In her speech, Pavlov cited a laundry list of Fenton's accomplishments during his eight years at the head of the Jasper Field Unit, from building and maintaining relationships with Aboriginal groups with ties to the park, to championing the Palisades Stewardship Education Centre as a national leader in youth education.
“During Greg's tenure and through his steady leadership there has been major investment in visitor services, facilities and products that will help to ensure our guests and visitors are well cared for and positive about their overall experience in Jasper National Park,” said Pavlov.
“Greg is well respected for his extensive expertise and knowledge, thoughtful and inclusive leadership, passion for Jasper National Park and protected areas world wide, and—on a lighter side—his approachable and caring manner, his genuine laugh and his special red December shoes.”
Fenton received a roaring applause and cheers from the crowd as he approached the podium to accept his award.
“This is a surprise and an honour,” he said. “I don't know what to say, Jasper is a very special place for a whole bunch of reasons, most of which is for the people in this room and the organizations and work that each of you do and that you represent.
“This is probably as special an award as I have ever received in all my time in a whole variety of communities with Parks Canada over the course of the last 35 years.
“Thank you very much.”
Replacing Fenton is Alan Fehr, who will officially take over Nov. 1. Fehr was the acting field unit superintendent for Jasper from November 2014 to March 2015, while Fenton took a leave of absence.
Nicole Veerman
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