JASPER, ALBERTA, MAY 23, 2007--Canada's New Government, the Province of Alberta and the Municipality of Jasper have collectively invested $4.2 million to relocate and upgrade the town's water supply, ensuring a healthy and sustainable supply of drinking water for residents and visitors to Jasper National Park of Canada.
Mr. Rob Merrifield, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, on behalf of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, along with Ivan Strang, Alberta MLA for West Yellowhead, on behalf of Luke Ouellette, Alberta Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, and His Worship Richard Ireland, Mayor of Jasper, celebrated the completion of the project.
"Canada's New Government is committed to ensuring a sustainable and healthy water supply for residents and visitors to Jasper National Park," said Mr. Merrifield. "This initiative is a concrete example of how this Government and the Municipality of Jasper are working together to maintain and plan for a sustainable community which supports the ecosystem of the park and the economic vitality of the community."
"Improving Albertans' quality of life is one of the Government of Alberta's five priorities and that is what this water works project is about," said Mr. Strang. "This project goes a long way towards making that happen in the Jasper area for present and future generations."
"This project is another excellent example of how all three levels of government can come together and meet the needs of Park residents and visitors alike," said Mayor Ireland. "The Municipality of Jasper extends its appreciation to our funding Partners the province of Alberta and Parks Canada whose contributions made this project possible. We also recognize and applaud the joint efforts of staff from Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper who have demonstrated once again the benefits which can be achieved through collaboration."
This project not only ensures a safe water supply, it also reduces operating costs and improves wildlife access to an important travel corridor. Parks Canada and Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation cost-shared $4.2 million of the project's total cost. The Municipality of Jasper acted as project manager and contributed the remaining funds.
The relocated well site meets new Alberta Environment Standards and Guidelines for Municipal Waterworks by protecting the water supply from potential surface water influence from the Athabasca River, potential impacts by storm water runoff, and a possible future spills along the Highway or rail line.
Jasper National Park is the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain Parks and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jasper spans 10,878 square kilometres (4200 square miles) of broad valleys, rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows and wild rivers along the eastern slopes of the Rockies in western Alberta. There are more than 1200 kilometres (660 miles) of hiking trails (both overnight and day trips), and a number of spectacular mountain drives.
Parks Canada is responsible for a system of national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites that is recognized as one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world. This commitment will help Parks Canada fulfill its mandate to present nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage to Canadians, today and in the future.
Information:
Wendy Niven
A/Executive Services and Media Relations Officer
Jasper National Park
Parks Canada
(780) 852-6109
Jerry Bellikka
Communications Director
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation
(780) 427-7674
Verne Balding
Director, Corporate and Legislative Services
The Municipality of Jasper
(780) 852-4724
