Housing plan met with criticism after wildfire recovery stalls
The Municipality of Jasper says Alberta’s $112-million interim housing plan for the wildfire-stricken town falls significantly short of meeting the community’s urgent needs, leaving more than 600 displaced families in limbo.
The provincial government pledged to construct 250 housing units following a devastating wildfire last July that destroyed a third of the town’s structures. However, the province tied funding to permanent single-family homes adhering to regulations for parking and setbacks, according to a report from The Canadian Press. Jasper officials argue these requirements restrict construction to just 60 homes, far below the promised 250 units.
“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,” said Michael Fark, Jasper’s director of recovery, in a statement on the municipality’s website. He emphasized that without adequate interim housing, families cannot return, businesses will struggle to staff for the upcoming tourism season, and long-term recovery will be jeopardized.
Mayor Richard Ireland also addressed the issue in a statement, urging the province to continue collaborating with the town and Parks Canada to resolve the crisis. Ireland emphasized the importance of meeting the needs of residents and rebuilding the community.
Alberta’s community and social services minister Jason Nixon expressed frustration in a social media post, stating that the municipality and Parks Canada had rejected the provincial plan. Nixon criticized their preference for alternative options, such as work camps, which he deemed less feasible.
“Ultimately, what we have heard is that Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper do not want to accept our offer to help and are pursuing alternative options, like work camps, that they deemed more appropriate,” Nixon wrote. He added that the province’s $112-million offer remains available if the municipality decides to proceed with the proposed plan.
The wildfire, which overwhelmed firefighting efforts, destroyed 350 structures, including homes and businesses. As the six-month anniversary of the disaster approaches, tensions over the rebuilding process have escalated.
Concurrently, the Municipality of Jasper has begun purchasing 50 duplexes and is considering plans for 120 units of work-camp-style accommodations. Officials maintain that some housing will be ready by the end of February, providing a crucial lifeline for families and businesses ahead of the busy tourism season.
Town councillors are set to receive an update on the recovery efforts during a meeting on Tuesday, with Mayor Ireland expected to address the media afterward.
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