PDAC conditionally approves hotel
A plan to build a new hotel on the site of the old Esso gas station beside the Sawridge Inn and Conference Centre was conditionally approved by the Planning and Development Advisory Committee (PDAC).
The proponents of the project, Jas-Day Investments Ltd, which owns all six Mountain Parks Lodges (MPL) properties, would like to build a 54-unit commercial hotel and a 50-unit staff accommodation at 78 Connaught Drive.
According to PDAC鈥檚 decision, the conditional approval to rezone the gas station to a tourist commercial district is contingent on the proponent building both the hotel and the staff accommodation at the same time.
鈥淭he deal with the seller, although confirmed, has not closed yet,鈥� wrote Bernhard Schneider, general manager for MPL.
鈥淎t this point we do not have any further information as to our plans and intentions with the land until the deal closes.鈥�
Provincial funding boosts avalanche safety
Alberta is partnering with Avalanche Canada on a new $750,000 funding agreement for avalanche safety and education.
The agreement ensures stable funding for Avalanche Canada, which works to keep Albertans safe as they ski, sled and snowshoe in the backcountry. The annual grant provides the not-for-profit organization with $250,000 per year until 2020 and follows a $250,000 grant for this season.
鈥淢ore and more Albertans are heading into the backcountry each year. Avalanche Canada has a proven track record of preventing tragedies while promoting the safe and respectful use of our beautiful mountain environment,鈥� Shannon Phillips, minister of environment and parks said in a press release.
Of all Canadian recreationists killed in avalanches in the past decade, nearly half were from Alberta. Two out of three snowmobilers killed in avalanches were also from Alberta.
West Yellowhead MLA Eric Rosendahl applauded the government funding in a press release.
鈥淚鈥檝e spent years volunteering with a search and rescue team and have seen the devastation an avalanche can leave behind. I鈥檓 very proud our government is taking action,鈥� Rosendahl said. 鈥淭his group provides vital safety education and outreach programs for Albertans and our visitors.鈥�
Jasper the Bear holds photo contest
Did you spot Jasper the Bear at the ATCO street party during the Jasper in January celebrations on Jan. 28?
If you did and you happened to grab a quick selfie, the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce is calling on you to submit your photos for a contest.
Submission requirements are limited, but include Jasper the Bear looking fabulous and that all photos are clear. 聽
Photos can be sent to [email protected] for judging.
