See an animal, call dispatch
A recent cougar sighting within the townsite has Parks Canada reminding Jasperites to keep the agency鈥檚 dispatch number handy.
Mike Wesbrook, a resource conservation specialist, said it鈥檚 not uncommon to have cougars, wolves or coyotes passing through or near town. It can happen from time to time, and when it does, Parks wants to know.
By alerting dispatch immediately after a sighting, resource conservation staff are then able to haze the animal, in turn, breaking the possible pattern of habituation and protecting both the community and the animal.
The number for Parks Canada Dispatch is 780-852-6155.
Celebrating pride
The 5th annual Jasper Pride Weekend is finally here. Beginning tomorrow, March 21, the town will be overrun with rainbows and exciting events.
The kick-off is a welcome reception at the Lobstick Lodge, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event boasts music, snacks, birthday cake, drinks and a silent auction. Following the reception, everyone is then invited to the Whistle Stop Pub, where music comedy duo The Dirrty Show will be performing a free show.
The following day, there are multiple outdoor events, including a ski race at Marmot Basin, snowshoeing and a Maligne Canyon ice walk. The party will then continue with the Flicks and Treats Movie Dinner Theatre at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.
The final event of the day, and the highlight of the weekend, is the pride gala, also at JPL.
On Sunday, the festival will wrap up with an anniversary brunch at Cassios.
For a full list of events or to buy tickets to any of the events, visit jasperpride.ca.
Seniors open house
Community Outreach Services is welcoming the town鈥檚 seniors to pop in for a visit next week.
On Wednesday, March 26, the office will be hosting a Seniors Open House from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is an opportunity for Jasper鈥檚 seniors to get to know the town鈥檚 outreach workers and to find out what programs and services are offered through COS.
The evening will also provide an opportunity for Jasperites to enjoy the work of their peers, who participated in the seniors oil painting class earlier in the winter.
COS is located at 627 Patricia Street. The open house will take place upstairs.
Personalized produce orders
Twin Meadows Organics has come up with a new program to bring more fresh fruits and vegetables to Jasper homes.
Beginning this spring, up to 50 Jasperites who pay a one-time membership fee will be able to purchase pre-paid Farm Cards to be spent on fresh produce from the McBride farm. This service is in addition to the organic veggie box program that Twin Meadows has been running for the past four years鈥攑roviding food to 70 homes each week.
鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to serve more customers while still recognizing our physical limits,鈥� said Gary Lowe of the new Farm Card program, which will allow people to go online and chose exactly what they鈥檇 like to purchase each week, with the cost coming straight out of their pre-paid card.
To snag one of the cards or to inquire whether there are any boxes left, email Gary and Wendy at [email protected].
