March 26, 2015 Jasper, Alberta Parks Canada

Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, today announced a major investment of $600,000 in visitor experience infrastructure which leads to a popular sightseeing and hiking area in Jasper National Park.

The Cavell Bridge, a single span bridge located along Cavell Road, leads visitors to the Mt. Edith Cavell day-use area – a favourite spot for visitors in Jasper National Park. The bridge has been identified for replacement to ensure visitors can continue to safely access the area in the future. The construction work is scheduled to begin in mid-May 2015.

The Cavell Bridge replacement is funded by the Government of Canada, whose investments in our national parks ensure a world-class experience for millions of visitors to the magnificent Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site, now and in the future.

Infrastructure improvements in Jasper National Park support Canada’s National Conservation Plan by helping Canadians connect with nature and by taking practical action to ensure Canada’s system of treasured protected areas remain safe and reliable for visitors. Improvements such as these help create jobs and strengthen tourism in local communities, and increase visitor opportunities to connect with national parks.

Quick facts
Jasper National Park, the largest of Canada’s mountain national parks at more than 11,000 km2, is part of one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural areas in the world. Parks Canada is committed to ensuring Canada’s special places are presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians for generations.
Mt. Edith Cavell is one of Jasper National Park’s most popular day-use areas, offering visitors a chance to see the power of glaciers to shape a raw and majestic landscape. Visitors to the area can walk the easier Path of the Glacier trail, or lace up their boots to hike up into Cavell Meadows for awe-inspiring views. The area also provides access to the iconic Tonquin Valley backcountry area and the Tonquin Valley Adventures outfitter camp, a Hostelling International youth hostel, and the Alpine Club of Canada Wates-Gibson Hut.
Parks Canada’s visitor surveys show that approximately 35% of Jasper’s annual visitors make a trip into the Mt. Edith Cavell area.
Tenders for the bridge replacement work are completed and a contract has been awarded, with the work scheduled to begin in mid-May 2015.
Quotes

“Every year, almost two million Canadians and visitors from around the world visit Jasper National Park to sightsee, enjoy iconic Rocky Mountain scenery, and connect with nature. This project represents our Government’s commitment to investing in the future of our country’s national parks and in the exceptional visitor experiences they offer as cornerstones of the Canadian tourism industry.”

– Jim Eglinski, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead
Additional links

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Media contacts

Kavitha Palanisamy
Public Relations and Communications
Jasper National Park
780-852-6109

Source:: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=956909&tp=1