Backcountry campground reservations open Jan. 28
Online reservations for backcountry campgrounds in Jasper National Park open Jan. 28.
It鈥檚 the first time visitors will be able to book backcountry campgrounds online.
With the online reservation system, hikers and campers will also have access to better information about Jasper鈥檚 backcountry trails and campsites, including printable PDF guides that include information about elevation, distance and suggested routes with UTM co-ordinates for campsites along the way.
Although it will be easier and faster to book sites online, people can still book their backcountry sites by calling 1-877-RESERVE. There will also be a computer station located in the lobby of the Visitor Information Centre to serve walk-ins who wish to book a site.
The online reservation system can be found at www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca.
RCMP respond to 94 calls over Christmas holidays
RCMP officers in Jasper were kept busy over the holiday season, responding to 94 calls over the span of nearly three weeks.
According to the RCMP, officers responded to 19 traffic complaints, three break and enters, six complaints of assault and five calls involving domestic violence between Dec. 18 and Jan. 4.
That鈥檚 a slight decrease over the same period a year earlier when police responded to 116 calls.
鈥淭he holidays definitely cause a lot of stress for some people, they鈥檙e a fun time for others, but if you need help dealing with that stress there are agencies out there in Jasper,鈥� said RCMP Const. Fraser Bjornson.聽
From the 19 traffic complaints, 11 were for collisions, including three accidents where the suspects failed to remain at the scene.聽
There were no fatalities, but three collisions involved injuries, according to police.聽
In addition to responding to car accidents, police were also called to three reports of theft under $5,000 and three reports of mischief under $5,000. Police also investigated three incidents involving substances listed under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
In 2015, Jasper RCMP apprehended and charged 40 impaired drivers. It urges the public to pull over and call 911 if they see a driver who appears impaired.
鈥淒rinking and driving is never something that should happen,鈥� said Bjornson.
鈥淭here are always options, especially in Jasper鈥攅ither just walk or take a cab.鈥�
Rate your favourite sidewalk seating
The municipality is asking residents for feedback on the sidewalk seating pilot project that took place last summer.
To have your say, visit the municipality鈥檚 website (www.jasper-alberta.com) and fill out the short survey at the bottom of the page. As well as asking questions about what residents liked about the project and what suggestions they鈥檇 give to improve it, there is also an opportunity to vote on the restaurant that did it best.
When the survey closes and the results are tabulated, the municipality will announce the winners, as chosen by the community.
