Jasper, it鈥檚 almost time to engage.
Sometime in the next four weeks, Parks Canada will release its long-awaited draft implementation strategy for the Maligne Valley, and at that time, yet another public engagement process will begin.
Copies of the report will be available on request and will include recommendations and actions that will guide Parks鈥� work in the valley for the next five to eight years. That work will include everything from wildlife conservation and resource protection actions to new signage, trail improvements, campgrounds and picnic areas.
Although this will be the public鈥檚 second opportunity to provide feedback on the strategy, this round of consultations is especially important, as it will also be the last; Parks hopes to make a decision on the final strategy this summer.
The first round of consultations began late last year, with the November annual public forum acting as the public鈥檚 first opportunity to provide feedback on how it would like to see the valley evolve.
During that forum, a whole slew of ideas and concerns were expressed and many of them have since made it into an addendum to the Maligne Valley Situation Analysis鈥攁 document that describes the current situation in the valley.
The first public consultation period ended in March, and according to a recent update from Supt. Greg Fenton, there were 鈥渕any excellent suggestions for specific ways [Parks] can improve visitor experience and resource conservation in the valley,鈥� and some of those suggestions have made their way into the draft strategy.
Although this is a good sign, it doesn鈥檛 mean the public鈥檚 work is done. When the draft strategy is released, the community will be given one last opportunity to help shape the future of one of Jasper鈥檚 most beloved areas.
That鈥檚 not a responsibility to be taken lightly, and it鈥檚 not one to be left solely to Parks.
National parks are for all Canadians and, as such, the future of these spaces should be decided together.
So, as the weeks roll out, keep your ears open for the release of the draft strategy and be sure to send off an email to [email protected] to get yourself a copy鈥攂ecause your input matters.
