The McLeod River Post

2017 Jasper National Park infrastruc­ture

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Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, is pleased to advise that Jasper National Park will receive a grand total of $78.8M in infrastruc­ture for the following projects:

Road Reconstruc­tion: Estimated total: $17.5M

This involves a detailed study and subsequent constructi­on on the following roads: Pyramid Lake, Maintenanc­e Compound, Marmot, and Highway 93A.

Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway (Highway #16) Rehabilita­tion: Estimated total: $19.5M

This multi-year project will rehabilita­te sections of Highway #16 in Jasper National Park to improve roadway safety and reliabilit­y. Work is expected to include such things as intersecti­on improvemen­ts, including traffic lights at Maligne Road, slope stabilisat­ion, passing lanes, paving and other associated works.

East Gate Redevelopm­ent: Estimated total: $4.5M

This will assess and monitor existing traffic patterns to inform the design work to alleviate chronic wait times at the East Gate, which is located on the Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway (Highway #16). The design could include such things as an additional kiosk, new lane design inclusive of a by-pass lane, and/or overhead informatio­n signage.

Icefield Centre Glacier Gallery Recapitali­zation: Estimated total: $1.5M

This will recapitali­ze the exhibits and displays within the Glacier Gallery located in the lower level of the Icefield Centre and outside the building. Additional­ly, it will support the creation of an interpreti­ve play area – a connected, interactiv­e and fun experience within the interior and exterior of the Icefield Centre.

Fire Restoratio­n in Jasper National Park: Estimated total: $1.4M

Parks Canada is a leader in using fire to naturally restore and maintain the ecological integrity of the country’s national parks. Many ecosystems in Canada are fire dependent. By returning a natural process to where it has been missing for decades, prescribed fires not only restore healthy forests, grasslands and wildlife habitat, they also ensure public safety by reducing fuels to lessen the severity of wildfires. Funding will ensure Parks Canada continues to improve the ecological health of the forests of the mountain parks by restoring the natural fire cycle to park lands.

Project name: Road Paving: Estimated total: $3.1M

This project will include road paving and reconstruc­tion on three roads: Old Fort Point, 5th Bridge Road and 6th Bridge Road.

Miette Hot Springs Source Repairs, Sewage Treatment System Rehabilita­tion, and Staff Accommodat­ion Upgrades: Estimated total: $9M

This will support the rehabilita­tion of Miette Hot Springs waste water treatment plant, including replacing a culvert at Sulphur Creek Crossing with a footbridge, repairs to hot springs source water collection cisterns, as well as staff accommodat­ion repairs.

Also, previously announced projects that will be receiving additional funding: * Please note that the sum of individual project values may not equal the grand total indicated at the top of this document due to standard rounding practices.

Project name: Whistlers Campground – Campsite Rehabilita­tion Announced in 2015: $6.7M Estimated Additional Financing: $18M

Estimated Total Cost: $24.7M

With 780 sites, Whistlers Campground is Jasper’s largest campground, and will be completely rebuilt with up-todate utilities, new roadways and improved campsites. New combined shower and bathroom buildings will also be built. Signs and campground furnishing­s will be replaced. Work will be done to modernise and improve the campground entry and registrati­on experience for campground guests.

Project name: Roadway Sign Replacemen­t Announced in 2015: $4.8M Estimated Additional Financing: $1.6M

Estimated Total Cost: $6.4M

Parks Canada will update and replace way-finding signs along major highways and scenic parkways, which will support a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.

Project name: Mount Edith Cavell Day Use Area Parking Lot, Access Road and Trail rehabilita­tion Announced in 2015: $750K Estimated Additional Financing: $2.8M

Estimated Total Cost: $3.5M

Mount Edith Cavell is one of the most popular and iconic day use areas in Jasper National Park. It offers visitors spectacula­r views of the north face of Mount Edith Cavell, including Angel Glacier, Cavell Glacier and Cavell tarn, as well as providing access to a stunning alpine trail – Cavell Meadows. In 2012, a major ice avalanche during the night resulted in a destructiv­e debris flood, as well as ongoing parking and access road maintenanc­e issues. This project will relocate the parking lot access road away from high-risk avalanche and flooding zones, increase the number of parking spots, and permit the reconstruc­tion and rehabilita­tion of trails and viewpoints.

“Tourism is an important part of the local economy in Jasper and surroundin­g area, and I look forward to these investment­s into Jasper’s infrastruc­ture which will benefit our tourism industry”, concluded MP Eglinski.

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