See below common questions and answers. We are updating these daily, based on new the information we receive. This is a dynamic situation, and we are working to provide updates as quickly as we can.
The Re-entry Guide page has detailed information to inform your return to Jasper. This guide is dynamic and we will add more information prior to the re-entry date!
Call Centre Information
Travel on highway 16
When is the highway opening?
The AB Highway 16 will open to all traffic on FRIDAY, AUG 9, provided conditions allow.
What daily times will the highway be open?
The highway will be open daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (MT). These times will now apply to commercial traffic as well. Times and access are subject to change without notice and are dependent on fire behaviour and operational needs.
Is the highway open for east and west bound traffic?
Yes!
What are the rules and plan?
Stopping or exiting off of Highway 16 is not permitted.
There are no washrooms or refuelling options.
Obey all posted speed limits and signage.
Peace officers will have enhanced patrols to ensure these travel restrictions are followed.
Is highway 93N in Jasper open?
No. Only Highway 16 is open.
Who is keeping the townsite secure?
RCMP will have enhanced patrols to ensure these travel restrictions.
Who is allowed in the townsite?
Only authorized personell working on the incident can enter the townsite.
Can residents or the public enter the townsite?
What about gas stations?
The last gas station services on the east side of the Jasper Park entrance are in Hinton. The last gas station services on the west side of the Jasper Park entrance at the Mount Robson visitor centre.
Fire status
What is the fire status?
Read the most recent Wildfire status on the Parks Canada Website.
Reception centres
Where do I go for reception centre services?
Edmonton and Calgary centres have the most resources available. We encourage residents to access those centres.
What reception centres are open?
Edmonton Reception Centre
12814 58th St. Building B, Edmonton, A.B.
Learn more at edmonton.ca/programs_services/emergency_preparedness/wildfire-evacuations
Hours: 8am-4pm (Number on gate to call after hours)
Calgary Reception Centre
Shouldice Athletic Park, 1515 Home Road NW, Calgary, A.B.
Learn more at calgary.ca/emergencies/jasper-wildfire-evacuees.html
Hours: 8am-4pm (Call 311 after hours); last operating day as Sunday, August 16th
The Humanitarian Services Centre in Hinton was launched August 8 and continues to operate
How long will reception centres be open?
At this time, reception centre services are planned to stay open while the need remains.
Even if you do not require housing, you should register with the province at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca.
How do I change my reception centre location?
If you would like to move to a different reception centre location, contact with staff at your current location on how to move.
Financial support
I am confused about the support available for me, what do I do?
Call 211. Their team can provide information on your options for support.
How do I access Government of Alberta payments and Red Cross payments?
Government of Alberta: Evacuation Payment
Red Cross: Red Cross Payment
The MOJ will update residents about support available for residents as we receive new information and updates.
Mental health supports
Mental health supports
Alberta Health Services has resources and services available to help you and your loved ones with health care needs in this stressful and difficult time.
Call 211 for a direct referral for mental health support information.
If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or need to talk, resources are available:
Organizations and services | Contact information |
---|---|
Psychologists’ Association of Alberta | Call 1-888-424-0297 or visit paa@paa-ab.ca |
Mental Health Help Line (24/7) | 1-877-303-2642 |
First Nations & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line | 1-855-242-3310 |
Crisis Text Line Text | Text “CONNECT” to 741741 |
211 | Dial 211 and press 6 for immediate help. If you're in BC, just dial 211 and let them know you're from Alberta. 211 Alberta is available 24/7 by phone, text, chat, or online search at ab.211.ca. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, 211 AB will provide a direct referral to Counselling AB - no waitlist or financial barriers, they're here to help. counsellingalberta.com. |
Text4hope | Text HOPEAB to 393939 |
Health Link | 811 |
Kids Help Phone | Call 1-800-668-6868 or visit KidsHelpPhone.ca |
Addictions Help Line | 1-866-332-2322 |
Grieving Together by AHS for grief support | |
Suicide Crisis Helpline | Call or text 9-8-8 or visit canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html#a3 |
Canadian Mental Health Association | |
Hinton specific organizations | |
Hinton Family and Community Support Services | Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call at 780-865-6036 or visit in-person at 821 Switzer Drive, Hinton |
Hinton Addiction and Mental Health Clinic | Call at 780-865-8247 or visit in-person at 1280A Switzer Drive, Hinton |
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT RESOURCES
On-site access
Can you tell me the status of my property? How can I find out whether it’s been damaged?
Damage Map: The damage map outlines the preliminary assessment of structures in the town of Jasper.
Photo Album: A photo album including pictures of homes, businesses and community buildings that have sustained significant damage in the fire.
We recognize the desire for more information and the difficulty of this situation.
What is being done about security for the community and at checkpoints?
The RCMP is ensuring the security of the area. Access to the town is limited to incident staff and critical contractors who are responding to the active emergency. Patrols are ensuring that no unauthorized access to the community is occurring. Any unauthorized people found in the community will be subject to arrest. Travel into and out of Jasper National Park remains restricted.
Who has access to residential property?
No one is allowed to enter any residential properties.
When can I return home?
The town is still an active emergency zone and response teams are continuing to do their work. It will take some time to ensure the community is clear from disaster before any re-entry plans can occur. Structures that have been impacted by fire remain an extreme hazard area. The site is currently not stable, nor safe for entry as there are many hazards.
Continue checking with your local municipality/First Nation on re-entry plans. They will provide information on their websites and social media.
Employment
What if I have been evacuated from the town where my job is, but not my home?
Claim unemployment Insurance .Employees who are unable to work due to an evacuation order are encouraged to file an employment insurance claim with Service Canada.
Please call 310-4455 to determine if there are other supports available to you.
How can I recover income lost as a result of having been evacuated?
Employees who are unable to work due to an evacuation order are encouraged to file an employment insurance claim with Service Canada, which has a stream established to expedite claims of this nature.
Visit the Government of Alberta website for evacuation and financial supports, or contact 211 for more support.
Donations
How can I donate to relief and recovery efforts?
Jasper Community Team Society (JCTS)
The JCTS is our trusted partner. The JCTS funds will help the long term recovery of the Jasper community, through working with the Municipality of Jasper’s Community Outreach Services.
Red Cross
Albertans can also donate money to Canadian Red Cross in support of wildfire evacuees.
Can I volunteer to help with the current emergency in Jasper?
We are unable to accept volunteer offers as it is still an active wildfire. There will be a time where your valuable volunteer support is needed to heal and rebuild the community.
Insurance
Where can I get information about the insurance process?
Please visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada for Wildfire and Insurance information and resources
Do I need to see my house to start my insurance claim?
No.
When should I start my claim?
You should start the claims process as soon as possible. Contact your insurance provider right away, as there are supports that can be available immediately.
You do have 2 years to finalize your claim, however there may be specific elements of your claim that need to be finalized sooner. The only way you can be sure is by talking to your adjuster. The sooner you start the process, the better position you will be in to move forward.
What do I need to start my insurance claim?
The Insurance Bureau of Canada is a credible source of information about insurance. Visit their page to understand how to start a claim.
Are there photos of my property?
We recognize the desire for online information and photos of properties.
Visit the Parks Canada photo bank to see published photos of Jasper.
Evacuated tourists and visitors
Evacuated tourists and visitors
Tourists and visitors forced to evacuate an area are not eligible for an emergency evacuation payment. Emergency evacuation payments are intended to help cover the additional costs of being away from home.
Passports, foreign work papers, and other national documents
Currently, re-entry into Jasper for documents is not available. We suggest you reach out to your Country of Origin consulate to get a new passport or travel documents. Find your embassy on Foreign Representatives in Canada: Consular Offices' Addresses - Canada.ca (international.gc.ca).
Are tourists able to return for belongings?
At this time tourists and visitors do not have access to come back into Jasper for belongings. Continue to check the Municipality of Jasper web page on when it is safe for people to come back to collect belongings.
Documents, pets, mail
Prescriptions and medical needs
If you are in a reception centre and require prescriptions or need to see a doctor, please reach out to staff and they will assist you. For pharmacy information and support, call Alberta Supports Centre at 1-877-644-9992.
Provincial identification documents
Alberta wildfire evacuees can visit the registry agent of their choice to replace their lost identification. Registry agent locations are available online at alberta.ca/lookup/find-a-registry-agent.aspx.
- For driver’s licences and ID cards, registry agents will validate the applicant’s identity by looking up their image and their signature to ensure they match what is on file.
- Birth certificates can be replaced by applying in person at a registry agent office if an applicant has other ID. If your birth certificate is missing, the applicant will need to bring someone who can vouch for their identity and has known them for more than one year.
Canadian passports and other travel documents
The Canadian government can help support getting new documentation.
- Service Canada Community Outreach and Liaison Service - Canada.ca
- Canadian passports and other travel documents: Applying in Canada - Canada.ca
Pets
If anyone left pets in Jasper, please fill out the Pet Rescue Form.
If pets were found, the Bylaw Officer will take them to Hinton SPCA. You can call or text 780-852-5518.
The town’s post office is intact, all mail that is there is still there. New mail will probably be held at the sorting facility.
Canada Post is offering free mail forwarding for customers in Jasper, starting Friday, August 2. Request this free service by going to their website here.
If you have questions regarding mail delivery, contact Canada Post's Customer Service team online or by calling 1-866-607-6301 (TTY: 1-800-267-2797).
Stay informed
Fire bans - Up to date information on fire bans albertafirebans.ca for up-to-date information on fire bans and restrictions.
Road closures - Visit 511.alberta.ca for up-to-date information on road closures and travel advisories.
Wildfire updates - Visit alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire or download the Alberta Wildfire Status app for up-to-date information on the locations and status of wildfires in Alberta
Air quality - Wildfire smoke information can be found at alberta.ca/wildfire-smoke-information
Municipality of Jasper - MOJ Facebook Page
Parks Canada - JNP Parks Canada Facebook Page