3.11 – Introduction deck – Early discussion items: Jasper wildfires recovery
- The 2024 wildfires in Jasper National Park were the largest to impact the Park in more than a century, destroying nearly one third of the town and severely affecting the local tourism-based economy.
- Parks Canada is the lead department on the federal response.
- PrairiesCan will continue to be part of the federal response efforts with a focus on supporting impacted businesses and the tourism sector.
- In addition to temporary suspension of loan repayments for existing Community Futures clients in Jasper, PrairiesCan has approved over $6 million in support to date:
- $3.45 million to Community Futures West Yellowhead to assist over 300 affected businesses with non-repayable contributions, supporting their return to business in time for the peak 2025 tourism season.
- $750,000 to Tourism Jasper to support initiatives to attract visitors and create new activities during all four seasons to spring 2026.
- $1.8 million to the Municipality of Jasper to deliver a Commerce Continuity Program that will provide temporary locations for displaced retail businesses and provide essential secured space for contractors and materials during the rebuilding phase.
- The community is seeking continued federal leadership in supporting recovery efforts – previously, a federal Minister was identified to lead the government’s response. Continuing this approach would be well-received.
- Adequate housing is a critical issue; top needs identified by Jasper businesses include a need for operational grants, tourism marketing support, and staff accommodation.