Jasper’s Housing Challenge: What’s Being Done
Current Situation
The Town of Jasper is addressing a serious and long-term housing shortage. Since 2014, our rental vacancy rate has stayed at or near 0%, leaving very few options for people. This persistent lack of housing has led to rising costs for both renters and purchasers, increasing strain on workers, families, and local businesses.
In 2024, the housing crisis worsened dramatically when the Jasper Wildfire Complex destroyed more than 600 homes. With many residents displaced and housing already scarce, the situation became even more urgent.
To respond, Jasper has developed a Housing Action Plan, supported by $9.4 million in federal funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). This funding will help us put bold, practical ideas into action and ensure more Jasperites have access to safe, affordable housing.
Housing at a Glance
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| 51% of residents are renters (2021 Census Profile Data) | 0% vacancy rate (GoA Apartment Vacancy and Rental Cost Survey) | Average value (owner assessed) of single detached home $924,000 (2021 Census, Statistics Canada Focus on Geography Series) |
What Affects Housing Development
While housing has become a national concern, Jasper has dealt with a housing shortage for much longer. Jasper’s unique position as a tourist town within a national park creates special challenges:
Limited Land Supply
All land within Jasper is owned by the Crown and managed by Parks Canada. The townsite boundary is fixed by law, which protects nature and keeps our small- town feel, but limits where new housing can go. As a result, new homes must be built within the existing footprint, requiring smart, efficient use of space.
Seasonal population
Our population increases significantly during peak tourism seasons, creating a short-term need for additional worker housing. A 2022 housing study estimated a shortfall of 609 seasonal units, based on average household size. Addressing the housing need for peak season, while not over developing is a challenge for developers.
Tourism-driven Economy
Many jobs in Jasper are in tourism, which creates demand for short-term, affordable rentals. Single detached homes are more expensive and intended for long-term use. Home prices are rising faster than wages, which is making it harder for first-time buyers and increasing pressure on the rental market.
Regulatory Barriers
All new developments must follow federal and local land use regulations, including zoning, design standards, parking rules, and more. These rules help protect the park, but they can slow down or limit new housing projects. Updating policies could enable more housing options and development flexibility.
Our response: The Housing Action Plan
On February 6, 2025, the Government of Canada announced $9.4 million in support to Jasper, through the Housing Accelerator Fund. The Town’s Housing Action Plan outlines how this funding will be used to support new homes and improve development processes.
The Plan includes six federally funded and two internally supported initiatives. All are designed to be feasible, actionable, and respond to community need.
Key Housing Initiatives
- Land Use Policy Review
- We’re reviewing zoning and land use rules, looking to remove barriers to higher-density housing and speed up the development of new units.
- Parking Policy Review
- We’re reviewing parking policy, considering changes to incent development.
- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Incentive Program
- This program encourages homeowners to create long term rental suites like basement apartments or garage units, with financial and planning support.
- Explore the ADU Incentive Program and apply for funding.
- This program encourages homeowners to create long term rental suites like basement apartments or garage units, with financial and planning support.
- Streamlining the Permit Process
- With the transfer of Land Use Authority to the municipality we’ll be introducing new electronic systems, with a goal of making permit approval faster, simpler and more transparent.
- More to come as this program is developed.
- With the transfer of Land Use Authority to the municipality we’ll be introducing new electronic systems, with a goal of making permit approval faster, simpler and more transparent.
- Financial Tools to Support Housing Projects
- We’re exploring financial incentives—such as reducing fees and municipal taxes—for developers building affordable or priority housing types.
- More to come as this program is developed.
- We’re exploring financial incentives—such as reducing fees and municipal taxes—for developers building affordable or priority housing types.
- Municipal Housing Acquisition Strategy.
- The Town will develop a formal plan to guide the purchase and use of land and buildings for community housing, ensuring transparency and responsible spending.
- More to come as this program is developed.
- The Town will develop a formal plan to guide the purchase and use of land and buildings for community housing, ensuring transparency and responsible spending.
- Ongoing Housing Needs Assessments.
- We will continue collecting data on housing demand, population growth, and affordability to inform decisions. The next full assessment is scheduled for completion by May 31, 2027.
- Community Engagement.
- As we begin work on a new Town Plan, community input is critical. We want to hear from residents about ideas for growth, density, parking, and more.
- Visit Engage Jasper for current opportunities to get involved.
- As we begin work on a new Town Plan, community input is critical. We want to hear from residents about ideas for growth, density, parking, and more.
Stay Informed
Jasper’s housing crisis is a serious issue, but steps are being taken to fix it. With leadership from the town, support from the community, and help from the provincial and federal governments, we are working toward a future with more affordable, fair, and lasting housing solutions.
- Subscribe to updates, explore open consultations, and learn more at Engage Jasper