Ireland described last year as better than 2022 as Jasper saw something of a return to a more normal economy with visitor numbers approaching 2019 levels, although spending levels are not yet equivalent.
Jasper also didn’t experience any fire emergencies or prolonged interruptions to service in 2023, unlike 2022 which had the Chetamon wildfire, but did host evacuees from Yellowhead County back in the spring.
“So, I think there are there are certainly lots of indicators out there that things may be improving, but of course, nationally and internationally, inflation is a serious concern and continues to be,” Ireland said.
Budget deliberations
Council wrapped up the year with budget deliberations that resulted in a budget that calls for 9.17 per cent tax increase, rather than a 16 per cent increase, in response to pushback from the business community.
“It was certainly a challenging budget year for a number of reasons but in part just recognizing the challenging circumstances for people, again, locally and nationally and internationally,” Ireland said.
“We had issues that impacted our budget specifically. But at the end of the day, I think through lots of hard work, council got to a place where we balanced the competing factors as best as we could, and I think we can move into 2024 with a degree of confidence and at least a budget that we know has been approved.”
Council is expected to discuss the tax ratio between the residential and commercial when it comes time to se the mill rate in the spring.
Recreation Renovation Project
Renovations to Jasper’ recreation facilities began last summer to address significant lifecycle reinvestments in mechanical and electrical systems and improve physical accessibility and inclusion in multiple areas.
In addition, the project will fully renovate and modernize Aquatics Centre changing areas and fully renovate all existing Arena dressing rooms while adding three new dressing rooms.
The project was originally budgeted at $14 million, but council had to increase the project budget by $6.4 million, to be funded by debenture, due to the impact of inflation.
Ireland admitted this led to some challenges with their budget for 2024 but added how these renovations were well underway.
“Now we've had some updates, and we're giving weekly updates to the community, and now it looks like a substantial completion in quarter three of this year so that we will have the arena back in operation for winter season 24-25.”
Work was delayed due to asbestos being found in the walls, mainly in the pool area, but Ireland noted that appropriate action has been taken and work continues, and it’s expected they will generally meet the targeted dates.
“Yes, it's an extensive renovation, but it's so much cheaper than a new build would be, and we don't have other land for a new build in any event, so it is the only option available and it's proceeding, and it will serve the community for hopefully generations into the future.”
Transit launched
Back in September, the municipality launched its transit system, which Ireland described as a “highly valued” service.
“It makes a huge difference in the lives of some,” he added.
“But I think that it will continue to grow and to demonstrate benefit to the community, particularly when we get back into the height of the tourist season next summer, and we have an opportunity to bring visitors into town from campgrounds without the cars, that will make a huge difference.”
With transit only operating for four months now, Ireland anticipates some tweaks will be necessary as the municipality continues to learn but noted that the signs were all positive so far.
Over the next couple of years, the municipality will be looking at purchasing three zero-emission buses with the help of a $5-million federal grant to upgrade the transportation fleet.
Council will also be updating the transportation master plan.
The e-bike fleet have been delayed, and it is unclear if it will be coming in 2024, but this item is expected to return to council for consideration.
Disaster preparedness
Ever since the mountain pine beetle infestation began to show itself, municipal officials have recognized just how vulnerable the community could be.
“And so, we've taken steps over a number of years to be better prepared in the event of an emergency, including, of course, wildfire,” Ireland said.
“And that goes far beyond the great work that Parks Canada has done in the force surrounding town.”
Last year, for example, Jasper joined the Alberta Northwest All-Hazards Incident Management Teams (AHIMT), providing regional partners for Jasper to work with to deal with incidents that affect the community.
Local firefighters also gained experience and training after being deployed to help fight the wildfires in Yellowhead County, and the municipality came out with a business continuity guidebook in case of an emergency event.
The Emergency Advisory Committee approved an evacuation plan, with the hope that it never has to be used, and approved an evacuation plan for pets, knowing that pet owners would not want to leave their animals behind.
The municipality will also look at replacing its aerial truck for the fire department, which Ireland said was a critical need for a community that relies on three-storey hotels for many of the visitors who come here.
Other highlights
In 2024, the municipality will be working on the development of construction-ready plans for the redevelopment of Robson Park, which Ireland expected to be of interest for many residents.
Ireland said he is hoping to see a potential groundbreaking for new affordable housing at Parcel GC.
He also highlighted the Jasper Destination Stewardship Plan presented by Tourism Jasper, which council endorsed last fall.
“And that, to me, is a really exciting sign of a collaborative future. Bringing basically our single industry, tourism, together with other agencies in the community, including the municipality, to work towards a brighter future for everybody with more social equity built into.”
In closing, the mayor wished everybody well as the town enters the New Year.
“It has been a trying number of years since the start of COVID; it's been hard to get our feet firmly planted back on the ground, but I think that things are firming up,” Ireland said.
“The outlook, from my perspective, is more positive than it has been, and it continues to show increasing signs of normalization, and that is all good for us and hopefully that will continue and everybody can share in it.”
