Maligne closure unconfirmed
Rumours are circulating throughout the community that Parks Canada will enact a temporary winter closure for the Maligne Valley this season, but—as of the Fitzhugh’s press deadline—the agency was not ready to either confirm or deny the rumour’s voracity.
In an email, Kavitha Palanisamy, Jasper National Park’s public relations and communications officer, wrote that Parks “has begun discussions with area operators, local and regional tourism organizations and recreational stakeholders to ensure that visitors to Jasper National Park continue to enjoy a wide range of quality winter recreational experiences.
“This will ensure that visitors to Jasper National Park are able to enjoy quality winter recreational activities while we implement caribou recovery actions for this species at risk,” she wrote, referring to caribou.
There is not yet any indication of what those recovery actions might be, despite Parks citing a Nov. 28 deadline to implement new conservation actions for the park’s caribou, in order to meet its “legal obligation” under the Species at Risk Act.
Although nothing has yet been confirmed, local recreationalists organized a group trip to Bald Hills for a few “final turns” Dec. 17.
“Heading out to Bald Hills before Parks Canada announces the closure of the Maligne Area,” states the event on Facebook. “Spread the word, grab your splitboard, snowboard, snowshoes, skis and let’s celebrate with some turns.”
Festival of Trees celebration
With just one week until Christmas, the Festival of Trees is quickly coming to a close.
Tonight, Dec. 18, the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives is hosting its annual wine and cheese gala to show off the dozens of fabulously decorated trees it has up for silent auction. The trees have been decorated by local organizations, businesses and community members. Bidding ends on Dec. 20, when the highest bidder can take the tree home for the holidays and keep all of the fancy embellishments.
Funds raised through the silent auction go toward the museum and the Jasper Community Dinner program.
The wine and cheese gala runs from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Admission is free.
Community bonfire
The Jasper Fire Department is hosting the community’s first-ever Christmas Candy Cane Bonfire Night, Dec. 23, at the Emergency Services Building.
The evening includes a visit from Santa Claus, hot chocolate, candy canes and an opportunity to roast marshmallows.
Everyone is welcome to attend. The event begins at 7 p.m.
