Tyler Wright | Special to the 51暗网
With the New Year comes promise. While we may have woken up on Jan. 1 still gripped in a pandemic, we persevered in 2020. That is a big victory and Inspiration to enter 2021 with cautious optimism. We have made it this far. We can handle what the new year throws our way. New COVID-19 restrictions put in place on Dec. 8 made this holiday a difficult one. A time of year when everyone traditionally comes together saw everyone staying far apart. No Christmas parties, no family gatherings. It was a harsh end to an already exhaustive year.
While it was hard not being able to travel home for the holidays, I was more than content staying in Jasper. It is cozy, friendly and far removed from the chaos of the cities. While enjoying the town over holiday break, I noted the influx of visitors coming out, a welcomed sight since the summer season ended. It may have been the summer of half-capacity, but in-person dining was still permitted.
But with the latest restrictions, one of the busiest seasons in town was uncertain. I spoke with some local businesses to find out how these new regulations affected them.
鈥淚t was all about adapting to the new rules while still being able to serve guests鈥� said Justin Melnyk, manager of Jasper Brewing Co.
鈥淲e launched a new online ordering system and delivery service,鈥� he added. 鈥淧eople stopping in to pick up orders talked about how much they missed being able to grab a table and have dinner in one of the many establishments around town but were still happy that many of their favourite spots offered takeout and delivery options.鈥�
During the two-week window of the holidays, the first half started slow while the latter half between Christmas and New Year鈥檚 Day was much busier in town and on the ski hill.
鈥淚t hasn鈥檛 been bad with the restrictions, but during peak business hours, customers do have to wait outside for their turn to enter the store,鈥� said Ana Lea, owner of Ana Lea鈥檚 Candy.
Lea noted how almost all the customers were patient and understanding of what was expected and the rules they needed to follow. While the town will stay moderately busy in the coming months, Ana predicts a slower start to 2021.
With Junior hockey and other sporting teams unable to play, there will be no players and their families coming to town for tournament weekends.
Speaking with a member of Tourism Jasper, I learned that the town was roughly 73 per cent occupancy over the holiday. While they are still compiling official figures post-holiday break, they are forecasting that take out numbers were solid for many establishments but concerned about the vast number of service industry layoffs right before the break.
A strong visitor economy is as much about a healthy and employed workforce as it is the visitors that come to town. Time will tell in the coming weeks as the four-week restrictions expire soon, and we learn what comes next from the UCP government and health officials.
As a resident and consumer, I found my first Christmas in town quite lovely, all things considered. I was still able to order from my favourite places and support local stores and shops. Thankful for the endless meals, treats and goodies I bought myself over the break. I am also very thankful to be starting my 2021 off in such a great community!
