Joanne McQuarrie, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter | [email protected]
It's the midst of summer, usually a time when sidewalks are elbow-to-elbow with visitors and staff at shops are busy helping line-ups of people.
While there has been an increase of visitors since Jasper National Park opened, the marked effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is evident.
"It's been a tough year for everyone," said Justin Melnyk, Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce vice president.
"The park across from the public bathrooms, usually it's overflowing. It's not hectic downtown. It's busy, but not hectic."
He said people don't have the usual disposable income for touring and, "normally, we're dealing with people from international countries".
"It's nice to be open, but business is significantly down. Everyone is in survival mode really. We hope to get through summer, fall, winter," he said.
While tourism is key to business health in Jasper, practising provincial safety measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 can pose choices that are difficult to make.
"It's a balancing act of business and safety - how you can be open and balance it with the safest way possible, and keep it sustainable," Melynk said.
Time will tell, he said, if the sidewalk seating pilot project helps businesses.
"It's a good pilot project, [but] it's so weather-dependent. Having it rain [almost] every day is not helping."
The Downstream Restaurant & Lounge is making sidewalk seating work for them.
"The street patio has indeed helped us turn our business around as hoped and we are extremely grateful to have this opportunity," said owner Soto Korogonas.
Downstream's customers, he continued, have been very vocal about their appreciation for not only having this distancing and outdoor option, but for how much they like the atmosphere these patios have created on Connaught Drive and in Jasper.
"I also know my neighbouring businesses have been very pleased with the end result and the increase in vibrancy created by them," Korogonas said.
"I believe we have shown just what's possible to achieve if we work together to create inviting spaces that enhance our community and our experiences within it."
Using patios, he said, blends a dining experience with being outside.
"Our visitors and locals want to be outside in the summer. They are here precisely to experience the outdoors,” he said.
“Now we have a few examples of what patios can be on the streets of our community. Residents can now have a rational discussion about how they might be a positive part of our evolution."
Lynn Wannop, who owns and operates Coco's Cafe with husband Andrew, said adapting to the changes is a key factor in keeping afloat.
"It's hard because this summer is totally different," she said, adding that Jasper businesses are "so dependent on tourist traffic".
"We've come up with a system that works, but we're still down 70 to 80 per cent. It's almost like winter - we're busy on the weekends and during the week it's pretty chill."
"We didn't hire a single employee this year," she said, noting current staff members have been there long term. In line with COVID-19 protocol, Wannops chose not to open their dining room; it's take-out only.
Coco’s has set up sidewalk seating in front of the cafe though, and it's going well.
"It's totally helped," Wannop said. "I've made it as beautiful as possible."
She also encourages mask wearing: "If you walk into my place wearing a mask, you get a 10 per cent discount as a thank you."
Wannop said she loves her job but it has been a long journey.
"We're lucky because we've been in business so long, we're okay,” she said.
“I feel for those who are paying off loans."
Rick Lagace, manager at TGP, is keeping positive but at the same time, is dealing with the effects of reduced parking along Patricia St.
He said: "We're down about 40 per cent since the pandemic was called. It's still good [though]."
And there is ongoing monitoring of the number of customers in the grocery store at one time. Fifteen people are allowed at a time in the store - more only if they have children.
The parking lot at TGP is meant for TGP customers and those who shop at Our Native Land next door only.
But with fewer parking spots available along Patricia Street, Lagace said drivers are spilling into that space to the detriment of the stores' customers. Signs indicating who the space is for have been up for a long time, but on July 21, Lagace reinforced the message by putting up three more big signs including a reminder that if you're not a TGP/Our Native Land customer, your vehicle will be towed away.
COVID-19 protocol is encouraged all over town, but "social distancing is not being observed by everybody," Lagace said. "It's unfortunate."
