We understand Jasperites are facing uncertainty, especially when it comes to housing. Housing is the foundation on which recovery is built, and we hope the following information brings people the details they need to make an informed decision on housing to fit their needs.
Parks Canada provided interim housing units:
Parks Canada is securing interim housing units for Jasper residents. The anticipated 300+ housing units are expected to start arriving in Jasper by mid-February, with initial occupancy expected by February 26, 2025. To see the types of units, layout and anticipated locations, please review the attached document: Parks Canada Provided Interim Housing. Units are being provided by various companies and may differ slightly in style from the renderings.
Allocation of interim housing:
The Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park are deeply interconnected—neither can function without the other. The interim housing allocation process ensures that the town and park have the necessary personnel to operate effectively while also supporting recovery efforts and those impacted by the fire as they rebuild their homes, businesses, and communities.
The first objective is to house individuals whose in-person work is critical to the operation of the town and/or the national park. The second is to address the housing needs of those whose jobs directly support these operationally critical functions. The third priority extends to workers involved in rebuilding, economic recovery, and community restoration. Following that, the housing allocation process aims to provide housing to as many displaced households as possible.
Within these four priorities, special consideration is given to families with school-aged children and those who lost housing as a direct result of the 2024 Jasper Wildfire.
For eligibility details, review the Parks Canada definition of eligible resident here.
Interim housing intake process:
The first offers of interim housing for move-in by March 1 have now been completed. All remaining applications are still being processed and considered on a rolling basis as units become available after March 1. If more units become available or residents move out, we will use the outstanding list of applications to fill future vacancies. Our goal remains to secure housing for displaced residents. At this time, we are not able to match all applicants to a unit and appreciate how the Jasper community is welcoming their neighbours into their homes to alleviate some of the demand for interim housing. We continue to recommend that people explore all options available to them.
The Federal Government’s announcement yesterday regarding interim housing provides funding for up to 320 units of housing that are starting to arrive next week. You can read the announcement here.
How do I apply for interim housing?
To be considered for interim housing, you must complete the official housing application. The interim housing program is intended for Jasperites who have been displaced as a direct result of the 2024 Jasper wildfire.
To be eligible for interim housing, you must meet Parks Canada's eligible residency requirements.
Statement from Director Michael Fark - 01/17/25
The following statement is from Director of Recovery, Michael Fark, on January 17, 2025:
The Municipality of Jasper acknowledges and appreciates the Government of Alberta’s support for residents displaced by this summer’s wildfire, which destroyed more than 30% of the town and left hundreds without homes. The funding for transitional housing in hotel rooms has provided much-needed relief during this challenging time, and we are grateful for this assistance.
With a February 28, 2025, provincial transitional housing expiration deadline, we have worked closely with our provincial and federal partners to identify solutions that prioritize the immediate housing needs of our community. With over 600 Albertan families who call Jasper home applying for interim housing and a pre-existing housing deficit of 600 units, the need is both urgent and unprecedented.
We recognize the complexities of providing cost-effective interim housing solutions in a way that does not harm Jasper’s ability to meet our long-term housing needs. The Government of Alberta’s offer to provide housing through permanent, single-detached and individually titled units is appreciated. However, the realities on the ground—including limited land availability— mean that this approach would not be nearly enough to meet the community’s urgent housing needs and would significantly impact the ability to meet long-term housing challenges. For example:
- With the Government of Alberta’s requirement for permanent single-detached units, using all of the serviceable 4.25 hectares of available land would only yield approximately 60 single-detached units— far below the 250 units of housing support announced.
Housing is the foundation on which recovery is built. Without adequate interim housing, families cannot return and recover and businesses will be unable to staff for the busy tourism season. The consequence will be loss of community, significant economic hardship for businesses and the potential to harm the reputation of Jasper as a world-class tourism destination in Alberta.
Statement from Mayor Richard Ireland - 01/17/25
The following statement is from Mayor Richard Ireland, on January 17, 2025:
The Municipality of Jasper, and I as an Albertan, remain fully committed to collaborating with the provincial and federal governments to address these challenges. Jasper’s recovery depends on solutions that are both timely and comprehensive, and we are asking our Provincial and Federal partners to continue working together with us so that we can meet the needs of our residents and businesses to ensure Jasper’s future.
Why not single detached units?
Single detached options on individually titled lots are not a viable option for Jasper
Jasper faced a significant housing deficit even before the wildfire, and this challenge has only intensified in its aftermath. Using all of the 4.25 hectares of federally provided land available within the town boundary at the density proposed by the province would only yield approximately 60 single-detached units, far below the 250 units of housing support announced by the province.
Providing higher density options is the only way to address the urgent housing needs. There is simply not enough land available in or near the townsite that can be serviced quickly to meet the immediate housing needs. Using the only land we available for low density housing on individually titled lots would not allow us to meet the current housing demand and would critically limit our ability to meet our longer-term housing needs.
The land within the townsite that is identified for interim housing is primarily zoned for high density multi-family dwellings. In accordance with the policies of the 2011 Jasper Community Sustainability Plan and applicable Treasury Board policies and regulations, most of the identified parcels of land for interim housing are zoned R3b for residential development at a minimum density of 37 units per hectare. Ensuring we meet these minimum density requirements on these lots can contribute significantly to the housing gap.
The push for high density housing
A phased approach to deploying interim housing was proposed, where short-term units could go up quickly while higher density units were procured and delivered. Once high-density units would be ready for occupancy, the low-density units could be removed to make way for the construction of further higher density units. Having sufficient housing in place as soon as possible is necessary to allow the community and the economy a practical and sustainable chance at recovery.
Jasper faced a significant housing deficit even before the wildfire, and this challenge has only intensified in its aftermath. Securing as many viable units of interim housing as quickly as possible while ensuring the foundation of our community remains intact is paramount.
How many housing units can the land fit?
Hundreds of units of housing can fit on the 4.25 hectares of land in town
The 4.25 hectares of land serviced within the townsite can accommodate between 200 and 300 temporary interim single detached homes depending on unit type and configuration. The Government of Alberta has requested permanent leases be issued. Permanent leases would require more land per unit due to fire and access setbacks and parking requirements allowing only about 60 single detached homes to be placed on the same land.
In accordance with the policies of the 2011 Jasper Community Sustainability Plan and applicable Treasury Board policies and regulations, most of the identified parcels of land for interim housing are zoned R3b for residential development at a minimum density of 37 units per hectare.
Why is there not more land available?
As an iconic Canadian National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a renowned international visitor destination, management of Jasper’s growth and development is critical to our national acclaim and international reputation. Jasper’s boundary is set in federal legislation; an Act of Parliament is required to adjust the boundary. Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper have worked diligently to service and make all suitable lands within the existing municipal boundary available.
The town is surrounded by old dump sites, the railyard contains diesel-contaminated soils, and there is salt build-up from snow removal and road maintenance. Currently there are four identified contaminated sites within the Town and six more within two kilometers of the town boundary. The sites are primarily mixed waste, salt and fuel related and not suitable for housing. Section 17 of the Matters related to Subdivision and Development Regulation under the Municipal Government Act defines the setback distance required from a non-operating landfill/ waste storage site to a development for a residence.
Servicing sites outside the townsite would also take a considerable amount of funding and an extended timeline which are not compatible with interim housing needs.
How soon can units be in Jasper?
Units are expected to be ready for occupancy by the end of February
We are making every effort to have a first phase of housing units ready in Jasper for occupancy before the end of February. This timeline depends on several factors, including the availability of the units, transportation logistics, and the completion of any necessary site preparations.
We are working with all levels of government and housing providers to expedite the process and ensure that units can be secured and delivered as quickly as possible. Regular updates will be provided to keep the community informed as we progress.
What other actions are being taken?
Parks Canada is in the process of securing higher-density interim housing solutions for the community and Parks Canada employees including:
- Work camp style accommodation of 120 single units to be located at Marmot Meadows, adjacent to Whistler Campground.
- On track to secure approximately 100 duplex units, for a total of 200 housing units.
- The purchase of four pre-built housing units that are ready for delivery to Jasper.
- Making land at Wabasso Campground available for a possible contractor style camp for the rebuild workforce. This land is one area being considered as part of an initiative with the municipality to find housing solutions for recovery workforce and seasonal workers.
- Making a number of campsites available to displaced residents this summer.
- Making use of Parks Canada staff accommodation units outside of town that were, or in the process of, being decommissioned.
The municipality is also exploring options through:
- Jasper Municipal Housing Corporation
- Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation
- Programs to support the development of accessory dwelling units.
For more information on Park’s Canada’s contributions to interim housing, see their website.
Where will the housing sites be?
Within the townsite, there are currently 4 parcels of land ready for interim housing
See the map of interim housing site locations within the townsite here.