51°µÍø

A report released by the RCMP recently revealed Jasper had the second-highest number of marijuana busts per capita in the country. RCMP photo.

Creative Commons photo. As the 51°µÍø celebrates its 11th anniversary this week, it offers us an opportunity to reflect about where we’ve come from and where we’re going.

Anyone who has spent some time in Jasper will likely concur that finding a place to live in this picturesque town can be nearly impossible.

Creative Commons photo.

A trip to Spirit Island is the main attraction for tourists visiting Maligne Lake. Photo provide.

Parks Canada has declined to publicly confirm whether a 250-metre section of Marmot Road is going to be repaired in time for the opening day at Marmot Basin, slated for Nov. 11. P. Clarke.

Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development held private meetings in Jasper, Sept.21, to learn about the challenges Jasper faces. P. Clarke photo.

A suspension bridge spanning the Athabasca River was washed away during a flood in 2014. Parks Canada never replaced it. R. Hanske photo. In 2014, Tourism Jasper decided that Jasper’s reputation needed an overhaul—something catchy and fun.

By just about all accounts the Jasper Folk Music Festival (JFMF) was a huge success, which is why the 51°µÍø was dismayed to learn that several locals were caught trying to sneak into the venue this year.

Tourism-based communities make up less than one per cent of Alberta’s population, but play host to 13 per cent of the province’s visitors, attracting more than four million tourists annually. P.