Municipality of Jasper Annual Report

2006 

Municipality of Jasper 

ANNUAL REPORT 

Looking back on the past five years 

Message 

from the 

Mayor 

Each year, the Municipality's Annual 

Report is an opportunity to describe 

our performance, review our accomplishments, 

and consider our future. 

This year, readers will notice a 

broadening in the Annual Report's 

focus. Six years ago, on July 20th, 

2001, following ratification by the 

community of an agreement for 

local government achieved with 

Parks Canada and the Minister of 

Canadian Heritage, the Municipality 

of Jasper came into being through a 

Provincial Order in Council. Five 

years ago this spring, jurisdictional 

and operational authorities transferred 

from the federal government to the 

Municipality and municipal operations 

began in earnest. Five years is an 

important milestone and an opportunity 

for residents to consider where 

we've been, how we've done, and 

where we're going. 

It has been a busy five years, and 

much has been achieved: the Jasper 

Waste Water Treatment Plant; the 

new Emergency Services Building 

and its complement of new fire 

trucks and rescue vehicles; the 

redevelopment of the mobile home 

area; the construction of the new 

compound building; development of 

the new RV parking lot and of the 

public parking lot on Geikie Street at 

Hazel Ave; completion of the 

Discovery Trail; installation of the 

new water wells; and much more. 

Our achievements have not been 

restricted to "bricks and mortar": we 

have also addressed quality of life 

issues by development of new 

bylaws, such as the Smoking Control 

Bylaw, and through our ongoing 

support of the efforts and initiatives 

of our Environmental Stewardship 

Coordinator and Committee. There 

have been challenges, but the work 

has been accomplished, the tone has 

been established, and the Municipality 

continues to be on track with the 

financial projections provided at the 

time of the governance vote. 

But perhaps the most important 

achievement of the last five years is 

that our community has proven to 

itself and to others that it can 

responsibly manage its own affairs. 

On behalf of Council, I thank you 

once again for your efforts, your 

interest, and your support of 

community. 

We extend our congratulations. 

Richard Ireland, 

Mayor 

July 20, 2001 

The Provincial Order in Council 

creating the Municipality of Jasper 

took effect on July 20th, 2001. 

2002 

Transfer of Services and 

Staff 

Transfer of authorities from the federal 

government to the Municipality took 

place on April 1, 2002, including 

responsibility for grounds, water and 

sewer services, and solid waste collection. 

Several Parks Canada staff associated 

with these departments transferred to 

the Municipality. 

Emergency Services 

Building 

The new Emergency Services Building 

on Geikie Street was completed in 

2002 to provide capacity for muchneeded 

new firefighting equipment. 

The building houses fire fighting 

resources, ambulance services, and a 

combined meeting space and volunteer 

fire brigade training room. The meeting 

room is used for regular Council 

meetings, as well as for public and 

community meetings. Suites on the 

second floor accommodate emergency 

services staff. 

2003 

Completion of Waste Water 

Treatment Plant 

Jasper's waste water treatment plant was 

completed and operational by February, 

2003. It boasts the latest innovative 

technology – a biological nutrient 

removal system which significantly 

www.jasper-alberta.com 

July 2007 

reduces the level of total suspended 

solids, biochemical oxygen demand, 

and nutrients in the final effluent. After 

primary and secondary treatment, an 

ultraviolet system disinfects the 

effluent prior to its discharge into the 

Athabasca River. Plant design standards 

are more stringent than required by 

regulation, and the quality of the treated 

water returned to the Athabasca River 

has consistently been better than 

required by either provincial or federal 

standards. Restoration work on 

Cottonwood Creek was completed in 

2004. The new plant has sufficient 

capacity to accommodate anticipated 

needs in Jasper National Park for the 

next twenty years. 

Skateboard Park 

The new Skateboard Park was officially 

opened in July 2003 by representatives 

from the Skateboard Association and 

the Municipality. The park is located 

near the Jasper Activity Centre behind 

the tennis courts. Development of the 

Skateboard Park was funded through a 

combination of extensive fundraising 

by the Skateboard Association and the 

support of a provincial grant.

Page 2 

Looking 

back 

2004 

Environmental 

Stewardship 

Coordinator 

The Municipality of Jasper and Parks 

Canada are committed to the promotion 

of environmental stewardship, and as 

part of that commitment provide joint 

funding for the Environmental 

Stewardship Coordinator position. 

The Coordinator has been instrumental 

Grand Opening of the Jasper Recycling Centre 

Municipality of Jasper Annual Report 

in developing new environmental 

programs and facilities including 

expansion of community recycling 

centres, establishment of in-house 

cardboard baling capabilities at the 

municipal compound building, and 

entry into plastic recycling. Other 

stewardship successes have included 

milk container recycling done in 

cooperation with the Alberta Dairy 

Council, and efforts to encourage 

residential composting by providing 

composting bins. A great deal of energy 

is spent coordinating Environment 

Week, raising public awareness about 

environmental issues and new initiatives. 

Jasper Recycling Centre 

Council 2001 - 2004 

In October 2001 Jasper’s first Council 

was voted in. 

Photo: 

Back row, left to right: Councillor 

Andy Walker, Councillor Ross Pugh, 

Councillor Mike Day, Councillor Joe 

Couture 

Front row: Councillor Gloria 

Kongsrud, Mayor Richard Ireland, 

Councillor Brenda Zinck 

A new community recycling centre was 

installed in the Activity Centre parking lot 

near the museum during the summer of 2004. 

The new facility is more centrally located, 

making it easier for residents to recycle. 

Bottles, cardboard, all plastic bottles with a 

base larger than the neck, metal food jars, 

glass, paper, newspapers, tin, aluminium, 

milk jugs and cartons can all be recycled. 

Municipality of Jasper Council 

Council 2004 - 2007 

The current Mayor and Council were 

elected to office on October 18th, 2004 

for a three-year term. 

Photo: 

Back row, left to right: Councillor Joe 

Couture, Councillor Mike Day, 

Councillor Brian Nesbitt, Councillor 

Andy Walker 

Front row: Councillor Brenda Zinck, 

Mayor Richard Ireland, Councillor 

Gloria Kongsrud 

Mobile Home Park 

Redevelopment 

Redevelopment of the mobile home park 

began in 2004 and was completed in 

2005. The most significant result of 

the redevelopment was to install new 

utilities beneath the roadways, including 

water and sewer lines, telephone lines, 

and power cables. These services replaced 

the original utility lines which were 

under many of the residences in the 

Environmental Services Building 

The Environmental Services Building 

houses public works equipment and staff, 

including resources for water and sewer 

operations, solid waste collection, grounds 

and maintenance, recycling and environmental 

stewardship. The building and adjacent lands 

also provide for equipment and materials 

storage. Cardboard and paper baling – 

services previously contracted out – 

are done in one of the bays, as is milk 

container baling. 


area, making possible the construction 

of conventional houses with full basements. 

As residents redevelop their lots over 

time, construction of full houses in the 

area will be an important factor in 

addressing housing shortages in the 

community. Other work included 

installation of paved roads, concrete 

curbs and gutters, and sidewalks. With 

completion of the project, residents 

chose 'Snape's Hill' as the name of 

their new neighbourhood. 

Municipal logo 

The Municipality of Jasper's new 

logo was unveiled in 2003 after 

Leona Amman won the contest held 

to choose an artists' concept. 

Graphic artist Cheryl Potter 

completed the design work.

Looking 

back 

2005 

Smoking Control 

Bylaw 

In April 2005, the Jasper Smoking 

Control Bylaw came into effect. The 

Smoking Control Bylaw limits the 

exposure of residents and visitors to 

second hand smoke by prohibiting 

smoking in any structure open to the 

public. 

Public Buildings 

Smoking is not permitted in bars, 

restaurants, retail and commercial 

outlets, or public buildings. 

Outdoor Patios 

Smoking is not permitted on outdoor 

patios intended for the consumption of 

food and beverages, whether or not 

service is provided. 

Ashtrays 

Proprietors must ensure that no ashtrays 

are placed in buildings or on patios 

where smoking is prohibited by the bylaw. 

Public Transportation Vehicles 

Smoking is not permitted in taxis, 

vans, buses or limousines used to 

transport the public. 

Signs 

'No Smoking' signs are not mandatory; 

however, the Municipal Manager may 

require a Proprietor to post 'No 

Smoking' signs if the need arises. It is 

an offence to remove, conceal or 

deface such a sign. 

Business owners share responsibility! 

Proprietors of public and commercial 

buildings, and outdoor patios, share 

responsibility to ensure the regulations 

are followed. As well, the owner or 

driver of a public transportation 

vehicle must ensure passengers do not 

smoke in the vehicle. 

There has been total voluntary compliance 

with the community's smoking control 

bylaw. To date, there has been no need 

to lay even a single charge. 

Jasper Centre for Early 

Childhood Learning and Care: 

Meeting of the Waters 


Tanzania Project 

The Municipality of Jasper belongs to 

FCM; the Federation of Canadian 

Municipalities. FCM, with support 

from CIDA (Canadian International 

Development Agency), is involved in 

international municipal cooperation 

projects and their Municipal Partnership 

Program links municipalities in 

Canada with communities in developing 

countries. This formal long-term 

relationship between two local 

governments is intended to share 

experiences and find solutions to 

practical problems. Jasper is partnered 

with Mbeya City, Tanzania, in a project 

to provide basic business skills training 

to women in informal market settings. 

Since the project began in 2005, two 

Tanzanian delegations have visited 

Jasper and three Jasper delegations 

have travelled to Tanzania. The first 

phase of the project – development of 

training materials and delivery of the 

first pilot training program – was 

Delegates from Mbeya, Tanzania come to 

Jasper to begin work on the 

Municipal Partnership Program. 

completed in the fall of 2006. Efforts 

are currently underway to arrange 

funding for the second phase of the 

project, focussing on larger-scale 

delivery of the training program. FCM 

and CIDA fund all program costs and 

travel expenses, and municipal 

employees donate their time. 

Combining Jasper's three early childhood 

program streams – regulated child care, 

nursery school and playschool, and parenting 

supports – into a single accessible service 

for children prenatal to age six, the 

Jasper Centre for Early Childhood 

Learning and Care has consolidated the 

three programs into a more solid base for 

optimal child development. The new 

program provides a stable foundation for 

service delivery and flexibility, while 

offering improved accountability for 

public investments. 

Conduct in Public Places 

Bylaw 

Jasper continues to face periodic latenight 

behaviour problems in the 

Central Business District, including 

noise, scuffles and property offences. 

Conduct in Public Places 

Bylaw 

The Municipality's Conduct in Public 

Places Bylaw is an effort to assist 

Jasper's RCMP detachment in dealing 

with such behaviour. Before the bylaw, 

an RCMP officer arresting a person 

causing a disturbance would be off the 

street processing the offender for a 

period of up to two hours or more 

because of the steps necessary to lay a 

charge. The Conduct in Public Places 

Bylaw provides the officer the ability 

to write a ticket on the spot without 

having to make an arrest or leave his 

or her patrol area. The bylaw allows the 

officer to ticket an offender for fighting 

in a public place, screaming obscenities 

or damaging municipal property. 

Fines are steep. Fighting in a public 

place or destroying municipal property 

results in a $250 ticket with a second 

offence within a year of the first ticket 


netting a $500 fine and a third offence 

set at $750. Screaming obscenities or 

annoying or disturbing the 'comfort, 

repose, health, peace or safety of 

Persons within the limits of the Town' 

can result in a $150 ticket for a first 

offence and $300 and $500 tickets for 

second and third offences with the 

year. The same fines apply to uttering 

profanities or obscenities to a peace 

officer. 

Traffic Lights 

Traffic lights were installed at the 

intersection of Connaught Drive and 

Hazel Avenue in the summer of 2005, 

providing a significant increase in 

safety at the intersection. 

Parking Lot Upgrades 

In summer 2005, several public parking 

lots were reconfigured to maximize 

the number of available stalls. By 

redesigning parking layouts and 

painting new lines, an additional 15 

RV stalls and 47 standard stalls were 

added. 

The parking lot by the old firehall was 

reconfigured with angle parking to 

increase available stalls. The same 

was done in the parking lot on 

Connaught Drive across from the 

Astoria Hotel, adding 22 new parking 

stalls. Smaller modifications are still 

being made: requests are made 

through the Traffic Advisory 

Committee to provide, for example, 

handicapped stalls, 15-minute zones 

or passenger pickup-areas. 

Hakone Sister City Program 

Page 3 

The Jasper/Hakone Sister City and Student Exchange Program has been formally 

transferred over to the Municipality of Jasper from Jasper Tourism and Commerce, 

who have spearheaded the program since it began in 1972. On behalf of Hakone 

Mayor Yamaguchi, Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland presented a letter of appreciation 

to Milt Gilmour recognizing Mr. Gilmour's years of effort and dedication to the 

Jasper/Hakone Sister City relationship.

Page 4 

Looking 

back 

2006 

Jasper 

Discovery 

Trail 

The Jasper Discovery Trail 

was officially opened in October 

2006. This 8 km multi-use trail 

follows the perimeter of the Jasper 

townsite. Project partners included the 

municipality, Parks Canada and the 

Greenspace Planning Committee. 

Interpretive signage is being developed 

jointly by the Jasper Yellowhead 

Historical Society, Friends of Jasper 

National Park, Parks Canada and the 

municipality. The signage, scheduled 

for installation this summer, includes 

information kiosks and panels describing 

Jasper's history and the history of the 

railway, and highlighting important 

aspects of the natural environment. 

Jasper Discovery Trail 

Grand Opening of the Jasper Discovery Trail 

Alberta Winter Games 

The Alberta Winter Games were held 

in Jasper, Hinton and Edson February 

23rd to 26th, 2006. The whole community 

pulled together to plan events and to 

host the athletes and their families. 


Jasper hosted the alpine skiing events, 

fencing, figure skating, freestyle skiing, 

and squash. The real coup of the 

Games took place on Mildred Lake, 

where the efforts of volunteers and 

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge staff 

transformed the lake into a professional 

speed skating oval and ran a flawless 

outdoor speed skating event. 

Continuing Parking 

Development 

Work was completed on the new RV 

parking lot just east of the CNR line 

on Hwy 93A adjacent to Jasper 

Lumber. This large new lot provides 

parking for 44 RV units and 19 cars. 

The stalls are designed so that long 

RV's can pull through and avoid backing 

in and out. The lot provides a service 

to visitors and residents alike by 

providing convenient parking for large 

units outside of the downtown core. 

As well, the parking lot by the United 

Church was redeveloped and expanded 

into two lots – one near the church 

accessed from Miette Avenue and a 

second lower parking lot accessed 

from Geikie Street. Creative landscaping, 

stonework and handrails beautified 

these new lots. Fourteen new stalls 

were added in the upper lot and 

twenty-one stalls in the lower lot for a 

total of 35 new stalls. 

New RV parking lot 

under construction 

RV parking lot: completed 

Solar Panels at the Jasper 

Activity Centre 

In 2006, a solar photovoltaic (PV) 

system was installed on the roof of the 

Jasper Activity Centre as part of the 

Alberta Solar Municipal Showcase, a 

renewable energy demonstration project 

involving 20 municipal organizations 

across the province. The next step is 

to install a computer station in the 

Activity Centre to display real-time 

solar energy production, irradiance, 

and the amount of greenhouse gases 

avoided by substituting solar power 

for conventionally-generated electricity. 

Each of the participating municipalities 

will use their showcase to educate and 

inform residents, building operators, 

inspectors, trades people and students 

about solar technology and to help 

support and promote renewable energy 

systems in Alberta. All participating 

municipal organizations are contributing 

equal amounts of funding for the project, 

and the Federation of Canadian 

Municipalities' 'Green Fund' is matching 

the municipal contributions. 


Communities in Bloom 

Jasper was awarded 4 blooms out of 5! 

Municipality of Jasper 

PROVINCIAL FINALIST 

with special mention for 

Community Involvement 

The full evaluation is on the town website. 

Jasper became a participating member in the Alberta 

Communities in Bloom program in the summer of 2006. 

Communities are evaluated on the efforts of the community 

based on the following criteria: 

• Tidiness 

• Environmentals Awareness 

• Community Involvement 

• Natural and Cultural Heritage Conservation 

• Tree/Urban Forest Management 

• Landscaped Aresa 

• Floral Displays 

• Turf and Groundcovers 

New parking lots by the 

United Church 

Environmental Stewardship 

Advisory Committee 

The Environmental Stewardship 

Advisory Committee (ESAC) was 

formed in 2006 as a link between citizens, 

Parks Canada and the Municipality to 

provide leadership and guidance to the 

Jasper Environmental Stewardship 

Program. A key ESAC priority is 

enhancing the quality of life in Jasper 

through promotion of effective 

environmental stewardship. This 

committee provides public perspectives, 

leadership and constructive contributions 

with respect to environmental 

stewardship strategies initiatives. 

What sort of Environmental 

Stewardship initiatives 

would YOU like to see in 

Jasper? 

Let the ESAC members know; check 

out the municipal website for contact 

information or call the Environmental 

Stewardship Coordinator at 852-1563.

Looking 

back 

2006 

Land Rent and 

Planning 

Evergreen Requisition 

Education Requisition 

Local M unicipal 

Operations 

515,175 

505,077 

68,800 

219,712 

Total Municipal Tax and 

Requisitions 

2004 $ 8,249,466 

2005 $ 8,253,835 

Increase 0.1% 

Municipal Tax Tax & and Requisitions Requisitions 

3,389,400 

3,469,094 

4,280,460 

4,055,583 

- 2,500,000 5,000,000 

2006 Operating Expenditures 

2006 Operating Expenditures 

Capital, Reserves & Debt pymts 

Library - Museum 

Recreation, Culture & Parks 

Bldgs, Housing, Cemetary 

Community & Economic 

Development 

FCSS & Daycare 

Utilities 

Roads, Streets and Equipment 

Protective Services 

Administrative & Treasury 

Legislative 

139,562 

460,127 

206,070 

750,948 

199,401 

892,042 

Municipality of Jasper Annual Report Page 5 

1,286,421 

2006 

2005 

1,629,005 

3,742,952 

2,563,337 

Actual 2005 

Budget 2006 

Actual 2006 

- Expenditures in dollars 1,000,000.00 2,000,000.00 

Operating Revenues 

Other 

Government transfers 

Sales & user charge 

Operating Revenues 

Property taxes 

1,125,225 

3,284,697 

Actual 2005 

Budget 2006 

Actual 2006 

4,265,460 

5,065,064 

$0 $1,500,000 $3,000,000 $4,500,000 

Balance Sheet 


2006 2005 

Financial Assets 

Cash & Equivalents 1,450,915 1,093,626 

Receivables 4,292,289 2,045,370 

Prepaid Expenses 224,484 

251,418 

Tax Underlevy 152,102 

Long Term Investments 161,764 

194,615 

Physical Assets 

Land 414,879 

Buildings 24,572,846 

$ 6,129,452 $ 3,737,131 

414,879 

24,437,637 

Engineering Structures 10,805,184 7,662,723 

Machinery & Equipment 2,231,771 2,148,083 

Vehicles 1,830,963 1,830,963 

39,855,643 36,494,285 

Total Assets $ 45,985,095 $ 40,231,416 

Liabilities 

Accts Payable & Accrued Liablities $ 1,096,012 $ 1,075,936 

Deposits 7,678 

8,635 

Deferred Revenue 1,297,798 

982,976 

Tax Overlevies 187,798 

- 

Capital Lease obligations 78,211 

107,997 

Long Term Debt 8,242,188 8,593,985 

10,909,685 10,769,529 

Municipal Equity 

Capital Deficiency 1,350,340 

(5,879) 

Operating Fund 1,541,887 1,296,951 

Reserve Fund 647,938 

378,512 

$ 3,540,165 $ 1,669,584 

Equity in Capital Assets 31,535,245 27,792,303 

$ 35,075,410 $ 29,461,887 

Total Liabilities and Municipal Equity $ 45,985,095 $ 40,231,416

Page 6 

Looking 

at 

2007 

Jasper National Park 

Centennial 1907 - 2007 

Festival of Banners 

In 2007, Jasper National Park celebrates 

a century of cultural and natural 

history as a protected place. Parks 

Canada has partnered with the 

Municipality of Jasper, Friends of 

Jasper National Park, and the Jasper 

Yellowhead Museum and Archives to 

host many events throughout the year 

in celebration of the centennial. As 

part of its contribution, the Municipality 

of Jasper coordinated a "Festival of 

Banners" for the summer of 2007. 

Local artists submitted designs based 

on a centennial theme and then 

painted the full-sized banners. 

Completed banners are displayed on 

light standards in the downtown area 

of Patricia Street. The banners will be 

judged in July and cash prizes will be 

awarded in each of an adult and youth 

category. 

Festival of Banners 

on Patricia Street 

Transfer of Responsibility 

for Business Licenses 

As of April 1st, 2007, businesses 

operating in the Town of Jasper are 

regulated by the Town of Jasper 

Business Licensing Bylaw. All businesses 

must comply with the Appropriate 

Use Guidelines agreed to by Parks 

Canada and the Municipality. 

Starting a new business? 

The first step is to confirm zoning and 

land use requirements with the Parks 

Canada administration office located 

in the Jasper Heritage Train Station. 

Then, visit the municipal offices at 

303 Pyramid Ave to complete a 

business license application and 

obtain your license. 

Licensing an existing business? 

Visit the municipal offices at 303 Pyramid 

Ave. for renewal of existing licenses. 

How much does a license cost? 

Municipal business licenses are $165 

annually. Businesses operating both 

within the town and outside the town 

in Jasper National Park also require a 

Parks Canada business license. 


Mother Nature’s Garden 

by Brenda Dew 

Why a flat rate license fee? 

Council views a business license as a 

permit to undertake business activities 

in the community, and has directed 

that issuance of licenses and the 

accompanying enforcement, monitoring 

and compliance activities be conducted 

on an at-cost basis. 

Administration costs are the same for 

every license, regardless of the scale 

of business activities. The goal of 

enforcement, compliance and 

inspections is to provide a level 

playing field for all businesses in the 

community and it is the Municipality's 

view that every business benefits from 

these activities and should contribute 

to them. 

Where do license fees go? 

The flat-rate license fee of $165 per 

year covers administration and 

enforcement costs. Administration 

costs represent 40% of the fee, or 

some $65. The remaining 60% of the 

fee, or approximately $100, funds 

enforcement, inspections and 

compliance activities. Enforcement 

will be even-handed and active. 

New Water Wells in Jasper 

Under new and more stringent water 

standards introduced by Alberta 

Environment in 2005, Jasper's old wells 

located near Old Fort Point were identified 

as being subject to the potential risk 

of ground water contamination. After 

reviewing several options including 

upgrading the existing system, it was 

concluded the most cost-efficient solution 

was to drill new wells. 

The project took several years to 

complete and involved identifying 

potential well locations, drilling and 

testing wells, installing water services 

to connect the new wells to the reservoir, 

and commissioning the new 

system. The entire project, costing 

close to $4 million, was funded by 

provincial and federal grants through 

the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater 

Program and Parks Canada. 


The official valve-turning ceremony 

took place May 23, 2007 (during an 

early spring snow squall) and was 

attended by Mayor Richard Ireland, 

JNP Superintendent Ron Hooper, MP 

Rob Merrifield, MLA 

Ivan Strang, and staff 

representatives from 

Alberta Infrastructure and 

Transportation, the 

Municipality, and Parks 

Canada. The project is 

another example of the 

positive results of 

cooperation between all 

three levels of 

government. 

Construction begins on the new Doctor’s Clinic 

Work began this spring on the new Doctor's Clinic located on the site of the old 

Health Unit building. The new Clinic will provide a modern and more spacious 

facility for the residents, doctors and medical staff to work from and will be 

another means of assisting the community in attracting and retaining an 

adequate number of doctors. Once the doctors have relocated, the old Cottage 

Clinic will be removed to make way for a new Assisted Living Facility being 

constructed by the Evergreens Foundation. 

Local children painted large caribouthemed 

billboards to decorate the 

construction site. Thanks to Ursula 

Winkler for orchestrating this clourful 

and creative project!

Other 

INITIATIVES 

Partners 

for Climate 

Protection 

Program 

The Municipality of Jasper joined the 

Federation of Canadian Municipality's 

'Partners for Climate Protection Program' 

(PCP) in 2003. PCP is a network of 

more than 120 Canadian municipal 

governments who have committed to 

reducing greenhouse gases and acting 

on climate change. The program is 

based on a five-milestone model that 

guides municipalities through a 

performance-based framework of steps 

to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Each milestone provides an opportunity 

for municipal capacity-building. 

Jasper is currently working to 

complete the first milestone by creating 

a greenhouse gas emissions inventory 

and forecast. 

Environment Week 

Canadian Environment Week is held 

during the first week of June annually 

to raise awareness of environmental 

issues and to coincide with World 

Environment Day (on June 5th this 

year). The purpose of Environment 

Week is to celebrate the environment 

by holding local events to raise 

The Municipality is an authorized 

employer of Peace Officers with 

provincial authority. The Bylaw 

Enforcement officers in Jasper work 

closely with the RCMP and Parks 

Canada. 

Municipal bylaw 

officers spend 

much of their 

time dealing with 

illegal parking, 

complaints about 

domestic animals, 

noise and 

nuisance. They 

also respond to 

requests to store and retrieve trailers, 

RVs and boats out of the lots the 

municipality operates in S Block. 

The bylaw officers also spend 

awareness of environmental issues 

while promoting activities that are 

aimed at preserving, protecting, and 

restoring our environment. The 

Environment Week Committee 

coordinated many events in Jasper 

including a toxic round-up and 

Enviro-Fair, the annual town/park 

clean-up, a commuter challenge to 

reduce driving and greenhouse gas 

emissions, and a native gardening 

workshop. Without our partnerships 

with Parks Canada, local businesses, 

hotels, newspapers and schools, these 

events would not be possible. 

Bike Town 

Bike Town promotes green transportation 

and greenhouse gas reduction, and for 

the second year the Municipality of 

Jasper partnered with Freewheel 

Cycle to promote Bike Town. The 

Bike Town concept began in Jasper in 

2005 when Freewheel Cycle gave 

away eight Kona mountain bikes to 

local residents for the summer. This 

year, eight 'townie' bikes were 

awarded to eight lucky Jasperites to 

help them fulfill their own personal 

environmentally responsible 

transportation goals. Bike Town 

provides a great and highly visible 

opportunity to educate people about 

climate change and show them how 

small changes like riding a bike can 

reduce greenhouse gas emissions, 

improve air quality and save money 

Bylaw Enforcement Services 

Municipality of Jasper Annual Report Page 7 

considerable time picking up stray 

cats and dogs. Some are simply escape 

artists; others are abandoned animals. 

The Bylaw Enforcement Unit keeps 

stray animals in 

the domestic 

animal shelter 

for several days 

waiting for 

them to be 

claimed. They 

also go well 

beyond the call 

of duty in trying 

to find homes 

for unclaimed animals. In the last 

year 13 animals were successfully 

placed into new homes and only 3 

taken to the SPCA in Hinton (who 

have a no-kill policy.) 

by reducing the need to gas up. Bike 

Town not only achieves environmental 

goals but it also promotes healthy 

lifestyles, quality of life and a sense 

of community. 

Launch of Parent Link 

Centre 

A Parent Link play room was opened 

in the Community and Family 

Services office to provide parent/child 

play time specially customized for 

Jasper families. The play room is 

carefully stocked with toys that 

promote inspiration, interaction and 

imagination. Parent Link Centres 

provide supports to parents to help 

their children develop and arrive at 

school ready to learn. At the Parent 

Link Centre, parents can access 

information about community 

services, obtain referrals, meet other 

parents and families, and take part in 

quality learning activities with their 

children. 

Community Outreach 

Services 

Outreach workers continue to provide 

one-on-one support to members of the 

community. A wide range of programs 

are offered including Community 

Dinners, Babysitter's Courses, Mom's 

Time Out Group, Family Dances and 

Bear's Paw Nights. The J.A.C.K. 

(Jasper Adventure Club for Kids) 

provides great activities for teens. 

Bylaw Development 

The first bylaw approved by the 

Municipality of Jasper was the Jasper 

Community Vision Bylaw signed on 

January 8th, 2002. Since then, 97 

bylaws have been written and 

approved. Many of these bylaws 

regulate and govern routine municipal 

operations. Some bylaws must be 

updated annually, including the Jasper 

Tax Rates bylaw, Off-site Levies bylaw, 

and the Jasper Supplementary 

Assessment of Improvements bylaw. 

Other bylaws require a great deal of 

public input, such as the Jasper 

Smoking Control Bylaw that prohibits 

smoking in public places or the 

Jasper Anti-Idling Bylaw currently 

in development. All bylaws are 

specifically tailored to Jasper, 

reflecting what our residents deem 

important and acceptable. 


Emergency 

Preparedness 

in Jasper 

The Municipality of Jasper works 

closely with other agencies including 

Parks Canada, Aspen Health 

Authority, Kinder Morgan and 

ATCO to prepare for the coordinated 

management of a disaster affecting 

Jasper. The Jasper Disaster Plan is 

continually updated and improved, 

and ongoing workshops are held to 

prepare participants to carry out 

their roles during an emergency. 

The Municipality also took part in 

a recent Kinder Morgan emergency 

plan scenario. 

This advanced level exercise 

provided participants with the 

knowledge and skills required to 

carry out their emergency responsibilities 

as a member of an Incident 

Command System (ICS) team or 

Emergency Operations Centre 

(EOC) team. Participants learned to: 

• apply the principles of ICS 

operations to provide co-ordinated 

multi-service and multi-jurisdictional 

responses at an emergency site, 

• apply EOC management principles 

and concepts, 

• demonstrate teamwork in emergency 

site and emergency operations 

centre situations, 

• contribute to the decisions required 

for site management and emergency 

operations centre actions, 

• implement best practices for the 

management and communication 

of information. 

Municipal management and staff 

also took a one day Public Information 

Officers Training course to learn 

how to best disseminate information 

to the public and media during an 

emergency. 

Three 'Readings' at a public Council 

meeting are required to pass a bylaw. 

At any reading the public is welcome 

to submit comments or attend to 

discuss the bylaw with Council. 

Bylaws can be accepted, amended or 

rejected at any reading. All bylaws 

are available on the town website at 

www.jasper-alberta.com. Bylaws are 

posted after each reading for public 

viewing.

Page 8 

Culture and Recreation 

Jasper Aquatic Centre 

Successes 

• The Jasper Aquatic Centre 

received a Class 4 Affiliate Award 

from Alberta/NWT Branch of the 

Lifesaving Society. 

• Addison Eady received the 

Commonwealth Rescue Award for 

rescuing two young girls from the 

water at Lake Edith. He trained 

with the Junior Lifeguard Club. 

• Jenna Jackson won 1Gold and 2 

Silver medals in swimming at the 

Alberta Summer Games. She 

trained with the Red Fins Swim Club. 

• Aquatic Centre staff taught more 

than 5000 swimming lessons to 

children in the community. 

• The Junior Lifeguard Team 

brought home the Canadian Junior 

Championship. 

• The Annual Halloween Splash 

continues to be a huge success 

Election day in 

Jasper is Monday, 

October 15, 2007. 

MUNICIPALITY OF 

JASPER WEBSITE! 

PACKED WITH INFO! 

Alberta municipal 

election day 2007 will 

be Monday, October 

15th. Come out and 

vote – residents 

will have the 

opportunity to 

choose a mayor 

and six 

councillors. 

with tickets being sold out every 

year since the event began in 1996. 

• The Centre's rubber ducks were 

donated to the Right to Read 

Society for continued use in the 

duck race fundraiser. 

Jasper Arena 

Successes: 

• The Dental Convention trade show 

continues to be held in the arena as 

it has for the past seven years. 

• The Jasper Heritage Rodeo also 

continues in the arena, with some 

800 attending each day of the event. 

• Trade show and convention 

organizers continue to show interest 

in our community's facilities. The 

most recent prospect is the T.O.P.S 

(Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) convention, 

who are hoping to bring 

more than 1000 delegates to Jasper 

in 2009. 

Thinking of running? 

Alberta Municipal Affairs and the 

Society of Local Government 

Managers support a website to assist 

citizens, potential candidates and 

official agents prepare for local 

elections. Visit www.albertaleaders.com 

to learn about election processes and 

the obligations and rights associated 

with local governments, as well as 

the dates of upcoming free interactive 

sessions aimed at potential 

candidates and official agents. 

More information will be available 

as Nomination Day approaches. In 

the meantime, you can direct your 

questions to the Returning Officer at 

780-852-6503. 

Candidate Information 

Sessions 



Alberta Municipal Affairs & 

Housing and the Society of 

Local Government Managers 

offer Candidate 

Information Sessions 

to assist citizens, 

potential 

• The arena continues to be popular 

with weekend tournaments. 

Bookings are generally at capacity 

by the end of December each year. 

Culture and Recreation 

Department Achievements 

• New marketing strategies have 

been planned for 2007. The Scrooge 

Pass sale was extremely successful: 

a total of 95 passes were sold for a 

total of $6605 compared to sales of 

$300-$600 in previous years. Future 

plans include more creative 

advertising, a registration fair, 

partnerships, campground marketing 

and new brochures. 

• Volunteer Week celebrations were 

organized by the Facility 

Coordinator, COS, Adult Learning 

and by many community 

organizations. 

• Get-away groups and sport camps 

continue to be a major revenue 

source for the Culture & Recreation 

Department. Total revenue from 

sport camps and Get-Away camps in 

2006 was $92,811. If an estimate is 

candidates and official agents prepare 

for the upcoming local government 

elections. Check for sessions at 

www.albertaleaders.ca. 

What do potential candidates 

need to know before the 

election? 

The website (www.albertaleaders.com) 

helps to provide 

an understanding 

of the election 

process and 

the 

obligations 

and rights 

that 

are 

associated 

with 

local 

governments 

and 

municipal 

election 

activities. 

Information is also 

available on the town 

website. 


made that each child attending 

summer camp had a spending 

allowance of $150, this would result 

in some $165,600 entering the 

community economy. 

• Jasper's outdoor facilities continue 

to host large events such as the 

Canada Day celebrations, concerts, 

tournaments and displays. 

• Arts Jasper continues to host 

events in Culture and Recreation 

venues. 

• A community calendar has been 

developed for culture events with 

the goal of the sharing of 

information between groups. 

Community Development 

Fund 

In 2006, money from the 

Community Development Fund was 

granted to the following groups: 

• Jasper Yellowhead Museum 

• Jasper Minor Rugby club 

• Jasper Student Council 

• Jasper Performing/Visual Arts 

• Chronic Pain Group 

• Jasper Community Team Society 

Total 2006 grants from the 

Community Development Fund 

were $9440. 

When is Nomination Day? 

Nomination Day is Monday, 

September 17, 2007. 

Nominations must be submitted to 

the Returning Officer at the Municipality 

of Jasper town administration office, 

303 Pyramid Aveue between 10:00 

a.m. and 12:00 noon. 

GET INVOLVED!

Municipality of Jasper Annual Report

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