Parks Canada’s announcement that Superintendent Rod Blair will be moving to Waterton National Park effective in September is most unwelcome news for the Prince Albert National Park community. Rod Blair came to the Park in May 2003 to deal with a very difficult management situation. Those of us who worked closely with him came to see him as a man of integrity, goodwill, and strong commitment to National Parks. We came to understand that when he agreed to a course of action, you could take his commitment to the bank. On a few occasions, due to reasons beyond his control, some plans, such as the Waskesiu River riffle and new boat launch, were delayed – but they are getting done. He was a tireless advocate for increased funding to National Parks and was open to new ideas in dealing with Park operations.

In the last few months, Waskesiu Council has been working closely with Blair to explore the possibility of establishing local municipal government for the Waskesiu town site. Those discussions have been very open with Blair making available extensive documentation so that Council members could make informed decisions. The working relationship with Parks Canada has never been better. As is often said, if it’s too good to be true, it usually is!

But, the best of all, after having had a series of rotating superintendents, dubbed by some as “Sup du Jour”, we were advised that Blair would be in place for five years – promising some badly needed stability and continuity.

For these reasons, Blair’s departure is being met with a deep sense of disappointment and frustration. We had a very good thing going – and we need to start over - again! It is easy to conclude that Waskesiu’s destiny is to have a change in the Superintendent’s position every year or two – with all of its attendant problems, including changing philosophies, different management styles, superficial knowledge of the community culture and aspirations, and fluctuating priorities. This was our best chance to have some continuity in leadership – and it’s gone.

While we send along our very best personal wishes with Rod and Elaine, we cannot ignore the fact that this is a stinging blow to our community. The timing could not have been worse! But, more importantly, there is little reason to expect that things will ever be different. PANP may be a destination Park, but Parks Canada Superintendents just pass through.

All in all, this turn of events emphasizes the need to move forward with local municipal government for Waskesiu. If Parks Canada is unable to provide stable leadership for Waskesiu, then the community will have to pick up the slack. Do we have any choice?