We understand that Jasperites are facing so much uncertainty, especially when it comes to housing. We are working hard with all levels of government to get funding to increase available options.
Please see below statements from Director Michael Fark and Mayor Ireland on interim housing:
The following statement from Director of Recovery Michael Fark:
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.
The following statement from Mayor Richard Ireland:
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.
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Why are single detached options not a viable permanent 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 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 2010 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.
Would high density housing take longer to build, why is the Municipality of Jasper pushing for that?
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 units of housing can fit on the 4 hectares of land in town?
The 4 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 2010 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.
Being located in a national park, Jasper is relatively clean, but a century of human use has left its mark. 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.
Regardless of which level of government provides housing, when is the earliest units could be brought to Jasper?
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 to provide housing for Jasper?
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.
- Initiating the procurement process for 50 duplex units, for a total of 100 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 latest update.
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Where will the interim housing sites be located?
We have looked into multiple potential sites around Jasper that could be used for interim housing. These areas were determined based on: size of the land, access to essential utilities (like water, electricity, and gas) and how close they are to town. As of December, the updated suitable interim housing sites are shown here. After further assessments, site 2B is not suitable for housing.
Where are all the displaced residents?
As of October, 2024, we have many workers engaged in delivering essential services housed in temporary accommodations (in hotels) until interim housing (bridge between temporary and rebuild) can be made available. Many residents have also made their own housing arrangements outside of Jasper.
How do I apply for housing?
To be considered for interim housing that may be available, you must complete the official housing application. For interim housing in Jasper, priority will be given to workers engaged in delivering essential services.
Workers engaged in delivering essential services are individuals who provide services necessary for the functioning and safety of our community, including roles in public safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and government services. If you do not fall into the category of delivering essential services, you can still fill out the application. However, we strongly encourage you to look at other options as well – whether with a friend or in an area outside of Jasper.
Everyone, regardless of whether they are engaged in delivering essential services or not, is encouraged to explore housing solutions that will work for them either inside or outside of Jasper, until rebuild is complete.