Jasper鈥檚 population on the rise
Jasper鈥檚 population increased by 3.6 per cent from 2011 to 2016, according to the latest census by Statistics Canada.
In 2016, 4,590 people called Jasper home, an increase from 4,432 people five years earlier.
While the town鈥檚 population may be less than 5,000 people, in 2016 Jasper National Park hosted 2.2 million visitors. That鈥檚 an increase of five per cent over 2015.
Provincially, Alberta鈥檚 population jumped by 11.6 per cent, breaking the four-million mark for the first time and making it the fastest-growing province in Canada.
There are now more than 35 million Canadians, an increase of five per cent over 2011.
A national census is conducted by Statistics Canada every five years.
Caribou closures lifted for the Tonquin Valley
Closures to protect the park鈥檚 dwindling caribou population were officially lifted for the Tonquin Valley on Feb. 16.
The Maligne-Brazeau and North Boundary areas remain closed until Feb. 28.
All three areas were closed on Nov. 1.
The closures are in place to help protect caribou from wolves, which use human tracks in the winter to hunt caribou in the alpine. Woodland caribou are considered a species at risk.
Tales from Jasper
If you live in Jasper chances are you have a story or two for the ages.
If not, don鈥檛 worry because on Feb. 23 eight local storytellers will regale the audience with personal stories at the Downstream Lounge.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and people are encouraged to come early to grab dinner and drinks before the stories get started. Storytelling begins at 7:30 p.m. and is not suitable for children.
The fundraiser is for the Friends of Jasper Childcare. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Tekarra Color Lab鈥�cash only.
Free food workshop聽at grocery store
Robinsons Foods is hosting a free workshop, Feb. 16.
The evening session will include a cooking class and demos featuring nutritious breakfast ideas, vegan-friendly recipes and easy antioxidant-filled shakes.
Attendees will also learn how to prep fermented vegetables.
The class will be held in the deli section of Robinsons Food, starting at 7 p.m.
