Work to double the size of the Jasper Downtown Hostel got underway last week.
According to Carlos Rodriguez, one of the business owners, the hostel intends to add 30 new beds as well as a new lounge, guest kitchen, lobby and three bedrooms for staff accommodation.
Once construction is complete the hostel will have about 60 beds available for guests.
To make room for the new beds and extra rooms, the hostel tore down its garage and carport located at the back of the building.
In August, the hostel approached Parks Canada’s Planning and Development Advisory Committee (PDAC) asking for more parking stalls to accommodate its guests.
Currently the hostel has seven parking spots, but would like that number to be bumped up to 11.
Parks Canada approved the variance, but said on Nov. 7 it had not made a final decision on the number of parking spots that will be allocated for the hostel.
Rodriguez declined to talk about parking because it hasn’t been finalized with Parks.
In August, PDAC received two letters from residents who were concerned about the lack of available parking in the area.
According to the letters, parking has always been a premium in the area, however since the hostel began operations nearly a year ago it’s become even more difficult to find a parking spot.
According to Parks Canada regulations, a hostel is allowed one parking spot for every four beds.
Therefore the hostel could have asked for up to 16 spots, however the owners have said in the past they don’t believe they need that many parking spots because many of its guests arrive by bus or other forms of transportation.
Construction is expected to be completed by April.
Paul Clarke
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