JASPER – A streamlined and expedited system to help rebuild Jasper has been put in place.
Parks Canada announced it is working with all levels of government to “reduce administrative requirements for homeowners and commercial businesses looking to rebuild.”
The federal agency said it intends to fast-track building permitting by having a blanket approval process to demolish impacted residential properties, create a similar process for commercial properties, streamline approvals for temporary structures such as interim housing and expedite residential and commercial rebuilds on a “like-for-like basis”.
Outlying commercial accommodations that propose like-for-like applications will also be streamlined.
“We are working in several ways to support Jasperites and local businesses in the [national] park to help relieve some of the stress by facilitating a streamlined system for the rebuilding process,” stated a Parks Canada media release. “Parks Canada is working with all orders of government to reduce administrative requirements for homeowners and commercial businesses looking to rebuild.”
Parks Canada is consolidating permit applications and types, waiving the period of notification to rebuild and waiving documentation fees until further notice.
It noted leases can still be bought and sold on the open market, regardless of the impact of the wildfire, as well as pausing rent collection from lessees and licensees in Jasper for the foreseeable future.
“Parks Canada has brought in a team to undertake the reduction of administrative burden and to expedite rebuild. This team has already reached out to contractors (e.g., surveyors, safety code inspectors, etc.) and others who will be instrumental to the process of rebuilding,” stated the media release.
“We will leverage their expertise to inform and streamline our approach and boost their readiness to meet anticipated demands for services.”
A Joint Recovery Coordination Centre (JRCC) was established on Aug. 22 between the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada to work on the recovery process for the community.
“The JRCC’s first priority is to facilitate a smooth recovery for staff, residents, essential services, and businesses within the Jasper townsite and Jasper National Park as quickly as possible,” stated a media release from Parks Canada.
More than 20,000 people were evacuated from Jasper National Park and the townsite between July 22-24 when wildfire swept through the region.
In the townsite, the wildfire destroyed 358 buildings which accounted for 820 residential units.
According to a presentation from the Insurance Bureau of Canada at Jasper council’s Aug. 27 meeting, there were $880 million in insured damages, making it the costliest disaster in Canada’s national park history. The Municipality of Jasper lost about $283 million in assessed value for property taxes.
On Aug. 16, residents were able to re-enter the townsite and the wildfire was officially classified as being held on Aug. 17, with the evacuation alert also being lifted.
CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS CANCELLED FOR REST OF YEAR
Parks Canada officially cancelled campground reservations for the rest of 2024 in Jasper National Park.
The federal agency announced the move Aug. 29, with all existing bookings being refunded.
The organization also said they’re continuing to contact people who may have left camping gear, personal belongings and vehicles that were left behind during the evacuation.
“If you have not yet retrieved your property, please continue to standby. When it is safe to return, you will be contacted,” stated the media release.
The Miette Hot Springs, guided tours at Athabasca Glacier and portions of Pyramid Lake Road and adjacent trails have since reopened.
However, the release noted removing hazards such as fallen trees, repairing infrastructure and restoring services such as garbage collection, washrooms and emergency response are needed before other areas can be reopened.
“This work has begun, but these activities take significant expertise and resources,” stated the release.
The release noted updates for the 2025 camping season will be provided when more information is available.
