Critical infrastructure generator-powered. Schools to close, daycare to open tomorrow

Jasper is operating on limited services after a wildfire less than 20 kilometres east of the community knocked out power to the community. An initial outage took place on Sunday, September 4 at 6:15 p.m. before coming back on. Another outage occurred at 4 a.m. September 5. That outage continues.

The Municipality of Jasper has activated its Emergency Support Services plan and has opened a Reception Centre at the Jasper Activity Centre where residents and visitors can get updates on the situation and charge phones and other devices. 

ATCO crews have switched Jasper’s critical infrastructure to generator-powered. This includes the hospital, traffic lights, the Jasper Activity Centre, water treatment plants and water wells.

The wildfire poses no risk to the Jasper townsite. 

The fire was estimated at 6,100 hectares as of Monday, September 5. Overnight rain has helped firefighting crews access critical areas of the wildfire and allow Parks Canada to facilitate access to infrastructure by ATCO Power.

“The focus in the coming days will be to ensure the protection of the safety of the communities of Jasper, Hinton and Brule,” an update from Jasper National Park reads. “No communities are at risk from wildfire.”

Visitor services in Jasper National Park have been reduced. Due to the power situation, Wabasso Campground has closed for the season. Parks Canada is asking all visitors to consider delaying their visit to Jasper National Park. 

“We would encourage you to return in the future when the wildfire situation is resolved. Please consider camping elsewhere at this time,” reads an update from JNP’s social media.

The Reception Centre at the Jasper Activity Centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Jasper schools will not open tomorrow. 

The daycare will be open on September 6, according to the Municipality of Jasper. 

Some non-essential services are closed, including some gas stations. Both Petro Canadas on Connaught Drive are open, as of 6 p.m., September 5.

Some restaurants are open, including the Athabasca Hotel and the Astoria Hotel. Some businesses on Patricia Street have power. Coco’s Cafe in the 600 block of Patricia will open tomorrow. All three pharmacies in Jasper are open. 

Community Outreach Services and Settlement Services will be available at the Jasper Activity Centre tomorrow between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. 

The Jasper Municipal Library will also be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 6.

Power is expected to be restored tomorrow (September 6) at 7 p.m.

Follow Jasper National Park’s social media, the Municipality of Jasper’s social media and ATCO Power’s online outage map for the most recent updates.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com