Initiation of Recovery Efforts for Jasper Following Wildfire

The Municipality of Jasper, in collaboration with the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through Parks Canada, has established a joint approach to address the immediate and long-term recovery needs of our community following the devastating wildfire. 

The Jasper-Alberta-Canada Intergovernmental Redevelopment Committee, made up of senior government staff from the Municipality of Jasper, Parks Canada and the Alberta government, will provide oversight, coordination and advice to elected officials as Jasper recovers and rebuilds. This fire has resulted in the loss of approximately 30% of our structures, including an estimated 800 residential housing units.

The Jasper-Alberta-Canada Intergovernmental Redevelopment Committee to Focus on Transitional and Interim Housing Needs First

As the wildfire event is still ongoing and residents remain evacuated, our primary focus is to ensure that Jasperites have the support they need as they re-enter the town once it is safe to do so. The working group’s immediate priorities include Transitional Accommodation to enable residents to return to the community once re-entry criteria have been met and Interim Housing for those needing longer-term accommodation until permanent housing is reconstructed.

 Re-entry criteria updates can be found here.

While recovery and reconstruction will be a multi-year process the working group has established the following principles to guide its immediate work related to the provision of housing:

• Community - Jasperites should be housed in Jasper, or in close proximity to maintain involvement in community life.
• Expediency - Transitional Accommodation (10-90 days) should be available for Jasperites who need it on re-entry, and Interim Housing should be available for those Jasperites who require it during the re-build.
• Suitability - Interim Housing should offer enough variety to reasonably meet the needs of Jasper’s diverse households. 
• No Lasting Damage - The provision of Interim Housing should not permanently damage or fundamentally alter Jasper’s unique sense of place.
• Advance Reconstruction - Housing options for contractors supporting Jasper’s rebuilding efforts should be identified to ensure that the rebuild does not inhibit other parts of Jasper’s economic recovery.

Housing Needs Assessment Survey

To better understand and meet the housing needs of our community, we urge all Jasperites to complete the Housing Needs Assessment Survey by 4:00PM on August 23, 2024.

Your input is crucial in helping us quantify the quantity and types of housing required. The survey will inform our efforts to ensure that everyone has access to suitable housing during this challenging time. 

Starting August 12, residents can access translation services in French, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Hindi and Arabic to help them complete the survey in their language of choice by calling 2-1-1 and pressing 6 to reach wildfire support.

We recognize the immense loss and disruption this wildfire has caused. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost their homes and are enduring this difficult period. Please know that all three levels of government are committed to taking swift and decisive action to support Jasper’s recovery.