To Jasper with love, from Whitecourt

Since the evening of Monday, July 22, Albertans, Canadians and visitors from around the world
have watched in horror as a National Park beloved for its God-given beauty was ravished by
several wildfires, including two that met at the Jasper townsite boundary before entering the
historic community.
For many Whitecourtians, Jasper is a natural playground. Being situated less than three hours
away, a day trip into the mountains, in any season, is something many residents take advantage
of.  “My first visit there, I believe, was in 2001.  I was babysitting twin girls.  Their family went on
an Easter weekend getaway and invited me along.  They wanted to take the older kids to the ice
caves and other attractions.  I remember taking the little girls for rides in their wagon.  We
explored downtown, some parks, and talked about the mountains and the wildlife. It was
awesome being their nanny,” recounted Whitecourt resident Lisa Swallow.
In sharing one of her memories of Jasper, Swallow said her heart is broken for Jasper residents,
and she hopes they can rebuild and maybe even replicate some of the character buildings lost.
“It is a huge loss for Alberta. I cannot imagine what they are going through. I wish strength for
them. Together, we are Alberta strong.”
For Lana Ulbricht Miller and Veronica Wassing, Jasper is a place they enjoy visiting solo. “I did a
few trips with friends and my hubby for skiing and sightseeing, but it evolved into my happy
place that I prefer to visit solo,” explained Miller. “I spent a Canada Day there one summer. It
was so amazing. I knew then how fortunate we were to have Jasper in our backyard.” Miller
even celebrates her summer birthday in Jasper every year. “I go alone, and I look forward to it
all year. I am so heartbroken (over the destruction).”
For Wassing, Jasper helped her through a tough transition in life, and it remains a special place
for her. In May, she did her first solo hike at Morro Peak, just east of the airport where one of the
fires was. “It was my celebration of my independence after leaving my 10-year marriage. Jasper
is where I found myself and my love for wilderness and hiking.”
Wassing said her memories of Jasper began as a child. “I have always loved the mountains. I
drove through every summer on our way to BC as a kid. I quickly fell in love with the peace and
the serenity of it all. Jasper is my heart. Both of my kids started going when they were six
months old.”
Getting to experience the area with her children grew her love for it even more. “After exploring
the town and major attractions, my kids, ex-husband, and I started exploring the backcountry.
We hiked a lot of mountains with a kid each strapped to our backs, and last summer, at 5 and 7,
my kids finally summited their first mountain on their own without being carried,” reminisced
Wassing. “It’s my favourite place on earth, and I cannot wait to make new memories and watch
it regrow and change and be beautiful again,” said Wassing.
She and her two boys were in Jasper on the day the two fires started, leaving just a few hours
before. “My boys’ dad did the rock work on a pony wall down the main drag. I am glad they will
always have this tie to their dad in Jasper, and it still stands after the fire.”

For Whitecourt resident Maan Santos Manlongat, getting to experience Jasper’s beauty is a joy
that she shares with her young family. “Jasper is one of our go-to places every year since my
baby was born. At her young age, she appreciates the beauty of Jasper, especially when we are
about to enter Jasper National Park. She is already clapping her hands, saying, “Wow,
mountain.” My little girl is turning 2, and she is one of those grateful people who appreciate the
beauty of Jasper.” Manlongat said humans were created to need companionship, especially at
difficult times when they need to help each other. “Jasperites are all amazing people. May God
be with you all, always.”
Resident Stacie Bourdages said she and her husband love exploring Jasper National Park and
learning the rich history. “There is always so much to see and explore. Each time is a whole new
experience. Getting out on the water with the mountains in the background is so peaceful and
rejuvenating to the soul!”
For Terry and Leah Parish, Jasper holds special memories of passed loved ones. “Before my
sister passed away, whenever she visited from New Brunswick, my husband, sister, and I
always had our yearly visit to Jasper. I remember the first time we surprised her by taking her to
Jasper. She was so happy. She had tears of joy. Whenever family visit us, we always take them
to Jasper.”
When residents shared their favourite memories of Jasper and Jasper National Park with The
Press, a common sentiment arose; people are eager to visit again to support the community
and help it regrow. “Our whole family, including our 6-year-old daughter, is devastated about the
fire and the negative impact it had on the environment and community! We cannot wait to help
you grow back into the beautiful, peaceful town you are! We cannot wait to be back with you
again,” expressed Felicity Weathers, whose family goes at least twice a year.
Whitecourt resident Lori Coffey lived in Jasper years ago after the community stole her heart. “I
lived in Edmonton and went to Jasper for a weekend visit following a breakup. I ended up
staying for over three years. I quit my job and moved there. It called me. I needed to be there.”
Coffey then ended up in Whitecourt and has called the community home ever since.
“I brought that love of Jasper with me to Whitecourt. It is still our place. We love Jasper. I have
been hiking there with my son, Lachlan since he was four. He is 16 now, and we still go. The
first picture he and I took together on a mountain is still my phone’s background image. I can’t
bring myself to change it. It means so much to me.”
Since the fire, Coffey has been staying in contact with friends from Jasper, offering support in
any way she can. “I just want to support the community. To see that history burn down. It
nauseates me. I hope they can keep that small town, homey, comfortable feel when they rebuild
it. Jasper is different. I hope they can maintain that specialness. It’s not commercialized like
Banff is. That makes it very special.”
As residents of Jasper face unimaginable uncertainty in the face of over 350 of the town’s
structures destroyed, roughly 30 percent, one thing is certain; people want to help. Whether that
means visiting and spending dollars at businesses once the rebuild is on or donating money or
time towards projects and fundraisers, Alberta Strong is not just a saying, it’s a way of life. “Just
know that you are not alone,” said Miller. “We know that Jasper will rebuild and be even better
than before.”