Emergency utility repairs
Council approved using $1.23 million from reserves for an emergency replacement of a water supply pump and the wastewater treatment plant’s primary clarifier rake.
Both pieces of equipment failed last November. According to administration, these failures “represent significant operational risks affecting two separate utility systems.”
“[It’s] a critical project that we need to expedite as this is infrastructure that, in this community, we cannot do without,” said Coun. Ralph Melnyk during the Tuesday, March 3 meeting.
The failure of the water supply pump means the Municipality is relying on the remaining pumps, reducing “operation flexibility” during periods of peak demand or emergency response.
The primary clarifier, meanwhile, is responsible for solids separation prior to secondary treatment. Because its structural rake arms are inoperable, the wastewater treatment plant is operating at reduced capacity, according to administration. This places additional strain on downstream equipment and increases the risk during higher flow periods.
Courtney Donaldson, director of operations and utilities, said there was no warranty due to the age of the facility.
This funding will come from the utility capital reserve, which had 2026 year-end projections of $4.4 million. The cost of repairs will reduce this to $3.2 million.
Paid parking rates ratified
Visitors will pay more for parking in Jasper this summer after council approved increasing the rates on Tuesday (March 3).
The rates will increase from $4.50 to $7 per hour for on-street, $3.50 to $7 per hour for off-street lots and $17 to $28 for a full day in off-street lots. The new rates will come into effect once the season starts on May 1.
Coun. Wendy Hall asked if visitor paid parking would be implemented year-round and if the business community has been engaged about this proposal.
“I would actually support increasing paid parking even more,” Hall said. “Visitors put the most pressure on our infrastructure, and if we can help them fund maintenance and renewal, it would take the burden off taxpayers.”
CAO Bill Given replied that only the rates were changing and all other elements of the program would remain the same this year. He added administration hadn’t taken any public engagement on whether paid parking should be year-round.
The new rates will allow paid parking to achieve council’s revenue target of $1.8 million, according to administration. Last year, the program generated $1.39 million.
Council has steadily been increasing rates since paid parking first began in 2021, but staff noted Banff’s peak summer rate remained $5 per hour higher than Jasper’s on-street rate.
While residents are exempt from paid parking, Given clarified that the two-hour limit for on-street parking applied to both residents and visitors. The limit is also imposed year-round, regardless of whether paid parking is in effect.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
