Pond Inlet (Aug 25/03) - His backyard is one of the largest national parks in Canada, and he's in charge.

Carey Elverum, chief park warden for the Sirmilik Park in Pond Inlet, has his best work days when he's out patrolling the park. - submitted by Parks Canada

Carey Elverum is the chief park warden for the Sirmilik Park, the newest Canadian National Park after the Wager Bay park officially created this weekend.

He's been there since the park opened in 2000, and still enjoys it.

He is responsible for managing the park, visitors' services, public safety, natural resources management, security and human resource management. He also patrols the park every once in a while.

"Definitely patrolling the park is one of the best parts. Unfortunately you never get out as often as you'd like," he said.

But when he does, it can be the best day ever.

"There are days when you go out in the field, and it's beautiful day out and you're enjoying the park. Those days are very rewarding," he said.

Elverum has been with Parks Canada since 1989 and took a promotion to work in Pond Inlet.

"I've worked in Banff and Revelstoke, B.C. and you can't compare them really because they are so different," he said.

One difference he really enjoys is the number of people, or the lack compared to Banff.

"Banff has millions of people. This place is more remote and pristine.

"That's the biggest difference," he said. "And that difference translates in a different type of visitor.

"Because it's more of a wild place -- there are no highways, railways, no multi-billion dollar hotels -- you get people who have been every where else," he said.

He noted artists, birdwatchers and people looking for adventure as the most prominent type of visitors.

The 22,000-square kilometre Sirmilik Park was featured in Canadian Geographic's June edition, and Elverum can only see positives coming from that.

"It's a fairly new park so this would put it in the public's eye. It will increase public awareness and interest," he said.