[Airboy]

It’s all fun and games until a tanker truck crashes in the middle of a blizzard in the heart of town…

Hinton is probably more in line with the ByPass. The people I have talked with are eager to see it come. And it will take it through some prime MTB land.

 

[David A]

This gets brought up regularly. The upgrades an community by passes have been planned for decades. However, Hinton and Edson have long resisted these improvements as they the cars going through town.

This is understandable. However, if I were the province I would make keeping this as is contingent on those towns sprucing up the routes going through their towns.

 

[SarcasticMarmot]

This gets brought up regularly. The upgrades an community by passes have been planned for decades. However, Hinton and Edson have long resisted these improvements as they the cars going through town.

It's not an unreasonable fear. Other towns (like Milk River) have seen a significant loss of local businesses. Worst case scenario is the town itself gets gutted and a new soulless "power centre" of chains, gas stations, and fast food is built just outside the town. It's basically the small town version of what's happened to Edmonton.

 

[itom987]

Hinton doesn't need a bypass, just their own version of the Deerfoot going down the middle. Hinton is very similar to Airdrie in suburban built form.

 

[Yeggy]

Hinton doesn't need a bypass, just their own version of the Deerfoot going down the middle. Hinton is very similar to Airdrie in suburban built form.

It needs a bypass, the rcmp in Hinton are famous for bordering on harassment with regards to traffic stops .

 

[Oilguy]

I just struggle with the cost of a bypass to save what 10 minutes? Do we need to be in that much of a hurry and use our capital dollars in that way?

 

[Yeggy]

I just struggle with the cost of a bypass to save what 10 minutes? Do we need to be in that much of a hurry and use our capital dollars in that way?

10 min x all the cars/trucks/cargo that will use it = a lot of lost/gained productivity.

not to mention safety.

 

[wormwood]

To: The Right Honourable Mark Carney and the Honourable Julie Dabrusin:

Re: Review of Foreign Ownership of Hotels in Jasper National Park

I am writing as a Canadian citizen and visitor to Jasper National Park to express my concern about the increasing foreign ownership and control of hotel accommodations within the park. Recent acquisitions by American-based corporations, including majority stakes in multiple Jasper hotels, have raised questions about long-term stewardship, economic sovereignty, and the preservation of Canadian identity within Canada’s national parks.

Jasper National Park is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is a cornerstone of Canada’s natural heritage. The lodging facilities within the park play a significant role in shaping visitor experience, shaping tourism employment, and maintaining the cultural character of the region. When a major portion of these accommodations is owned or controlled by foreign interests, Canadians lose meaningful influence over pricing, development decisions, and the long-term vision for these iconic public lands.

I respectfully request that the Government of Canada — through Parks Canada and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change — undertake:

1. A full review of current foreign ownership of hotel units within Jasper National Park and other national parks, including the extent of control held by non-Canadian corporations.
2. An examination of whether federal policy should limit or phase out foreign majority ownership of hotel accommodations located on federal land inside national parks.
3. Consideration of a framework whereby Parks Canada or Canadian-based entities maintain primary ownership or control of accommodations within national parks, ensuring decisions reflect Canadian values, public access, affordability, environmental protection, and long-term stewardship(h.
4. Greater transparency and public reporting regarding commercial leases, ownership structures, and foreign investment in national-park facilities.

My goal is not to single out any particular company, cough Pursuit, but to ensure that Canada’s national parks remain under Canadian stewardship and aligned with our national interests. These lands belong to all Canadians, and their management should reflect that.

Thank you for your attention to this issue. I would appreciate a reply outlining whether such a review is being considered or could be initiated. I am happy to provide additional details or expand on the concerns raised above.

note: (with AI assistance) - also sent this to CBC and Mayor Ireland of Jasper.

Further to this. Looks like there's a group advocating for more competition:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/competition-bureau-rocky-mountain-parks-pursuit-9.7042777

 

[IanO]

Was in Jasper over the weekend and while still very quiet, nice to see a lot of things U/C.