Parks Canada premieres new film to be showcased in revitalized facility

Jasper, Alberta, June 22, 2013 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Member of Parliament for Yellowhead, today announced the launch of the Jasper National Park film, Through Ice and Time, a component of a larger $3 million project to revitalize Jasper’s Columbia Icefield visitor centre.

“Every year, millions of Canadians and visitors from around the world visit Jasper’s Columbia Icefield visitor centre to sightsee, enjoy iconic Rocky Mountain scenery, and connect to nature,” said Mr. Merrifield. “Beginning with Through Ice and Time, your Government is investing in this iconic tourism destination to ensure a high-quality visitor experience worthy of this world-class facility.”

The film, by acclaimed Hollywood cinematographer Alar Kivilo and produced by Montreal’s Stonehaven productions, was pre-screened today for local residents at a local theatre in Jasper. It will be installed in a new theatre at the Icefields Centre, giving people an otherwise impossible view of some of the most remote, pristine corners of Jasper National Park. The Columbia Icefield Centre revitalization initiative also includes a brand new design for the Glacier Gallery, new interactive interpretive displays and a relocation and upgrade of the busy Visitor Centre desk.

“The Government of Canada is reinvesting in national parks and national historic sites in every province and territory across the country,” said Minister Kent. “National parks and national historic sites are key components to the tourism industry in Canada. These important investments not only contribute to economic growth, but also ensure that our national parks continue to be world-class destinations for years to come.”

Visitors from around the world will be able to see this remarkable short film for themselves by visiting Jasper’s Columbia Icefield Centre starting in 2014. While construction is underway on the new Columbia Icefield Centre, Through Ice and Time is being submitted for awards consideration in a variety of national and international film festivals.

Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 44 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.

For more information on Jasper National Park and the Columbia Icefields, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca.

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Information:
Alisson Ogle
Public Relations and Communications
Jasper National Park
Parks Canada
780-852-6109
www.twitter.com/ParksCanada