The Municipality of Jasper says it's actively working with the Insurance Bureau of Canada on a co-ordinated plan to remove residential debris.
Much debris remains in the Jasper townsite following the wildfire, which destroyed 358 structures including 820 residential units.
“The plan will ensure efficient and effective debris removal in residential areas, prioritizing the protection of people and the environment,” the Municipality of Jasper stated in an update.
“Residential debris removal will not occur without the permission and cooperation of property owners.”
EllisDon, a construction services company, is now seeking local contractors to join in the recovery effort, particularly in areas such as demolition, debris removal and other related work.
Other updates
The Re-Entry Support Centre in Commemoration Park will be open until Aug. 29, but the municipality said some agencies will start winding down their in-person availability on Friday (Aug. 23).
These services will remain available through their websites or contact information list on the municipal website.
The Jasper Food Bank, which had its location destroyed in the fire, has reopened in its temporary home at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion.
The food bank is accessible through the side door of the Jasper Legion on Geikie Street and is open for Jasper evacuees from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
While crews work to restore water in some areas of town, three potable water stations have been set up for residents to get drinking and cooking water.
These stations have been tested by Alberta Health Services and will be checked daily, according to the municipality.
Residents are asked to bring their own container to fill, and RVs are asked not to fill their tanks directly at these stations.
The stations are at the following locations:
- Bonhomme Street and Maligne Avenue
- On Spruce Avenue and Patricia Street (between the 700 and 800 block)
- On the 1000 block of Patricia Street in front of the Cabin Creek Condos (walk downs)
The municipality is also allowing residents to use RVs and campers as temporary accommodation until at least Sept. 15.
Residents can park on a roadway in front of a house or its driveway in the green zone if they have the homeowner’s permission.
Trailers can be on the road when not attached to a vehicle, and RVs and campers can be parked in the same place for longer than 72 hours.
RVs cannot be parked in the red zone. This is to keep these roads open to support clean-up efforts.
Those who do not have access to parking in the green zone can call Jasper Bylaw at 780-852-5518 for assistance.
Re-entry statistics
Although the exact number of residents who have returned to Jasper is not known, the municipality says 970 residents have visited the insurance tent in Commemoration Park
As well, 227 applications have been submitted for Team Rubicon Canada to enter fenced-off properties, ATCO Gas has re-lit 725 customers and 750 appliances such as contaminated fridges have been picked up.
Around 1,535 households, representing 3,384 adults and children, have completed a housing needs assessment survey, according to the Alberta government.
The Jasper Recovery Task Force will use this information to help develop interim housing options for displaced residents and workers.
The survey remains open until Friday (Aug. 23).
To date, more than $12.1 million has been donated to the Alberta Wildfires Appeal, with the federal and provincial governments matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross.
