As questions arise about the townsite re-entry process, community leaders are assuring Jasperites that their concerns about privacy and security are not falling on deaf ears.
On Monday morning, messaging from the Incident Management Team indicated that the scheduled re-entry date of Friday, August 16 would be open to all residents, with no hard restrictions on visitors. However, in follow-up communication the IMT clarified that residents would in fact take priority.
“Jasper, we hear you. The incident management team is working to prioritize residents during re-entry,” a Jasper Wildfire Complex Update said at 6:30 p.m. on August 12. “Updated information will be shared before Friday.”
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland also addressed the issue in his comments to media members yesterday afternoon.
“We recognize that visitation is an absolute necessity for our residents,” Ireland said. “Visitation provides the basis of our economy and we will need that to recover, but we will ask – and our industry partners have asked – visitors to wait.”
A telephone town hall held on Monday, August 12 at 6 p.m. was an opportunity for members of the public to get an update on the wildfire situation and get answers to a broad spectrum of questions around re-entry, government supports and available resources. A recording of the event is available at Alberta’s active emergency update portal.
The Alberta Government, including Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and top ministers, along with personnel from the unified Incident Command team representing Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper, facilitated the August 12 event.
Schools adapting
In her opening remarks, Premier Smith said schools in Jasper will not be ready to welcome students by the start of the school year. Smith said soot and smoke damage needs to be cleaned and estimates are it will be 30 to 60 days before schools in Jasper can be re-entered. In the meantime, students will be accommodated in Hinton or Edson, including transportation from Jasper if needed.
If families are staying in a reception centre in Edmonton, Calgary or Grande Prairie, those centres will work with families to find a school, Smith said, noting that virtual schooling is also an option.
Mayor Ireland directed residents to the MOJ’s re-entry guide, which is being finalized. Ireland stressed that the return to town on Friday does not necessarily mean re-habitation of residents’ homes, or generally within the town.
“Re-entry does not equate with re-opening,” he said, noting that residents should be prepared to be as self-sufficient as possible.
White goods
A caller asked about the plans for appliance disposal. The panel replied that residents’ first step is to call your insurer.
Wildfire and smoke damage is covered under standard insurance policies. The Insurance Bureau of Canada is working with local, provincial and federal officials to develop a plan. The insurance industry in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross will be leading the fridge and freezer collection and disposal program.
Not every fridge and freezer will have to be thrown out. If it is safe to do so, it could be cleaned. If it contained minimal items, it could still be able to be cleaned and used. More information will be coming soon.
In the Monday evening update, the IMT said that insurance companies are now assessing the town and will continue for the next three days.
Vehicle recovery
A question was asked regarding the removal of vehicles from properties that were destroyed. Should insurance adjusters assess them first?
Answer: All burned vehicles on roadways have been cleared. If vehicles are safe to drive, it was recommended that residents talk to their insurance adjusters, who may request a quote for repairs. If a vehicle is not drivable, adjusters will similarly advise on next steps—whether it’s a tow it to a repair facility or to a different area for a proper assessment of the vehicle’s value.
Another caller asked about vehicles left on the road or at trailheads. Are people able to retrieve those vehicles or find out if they have been destroyed?
Parks Canada responded, stating that the process of repatriating property that was left in the park during the evacuation has begun. Parks Canada will be reaching out to vehicle owners and will make arrangements for repatriation.
Out of province
Out of province residents were asking about whether a friend would be authorized to check property on their behalf. The response was that the friend should be a Jasper resident and they should be able to prove their residency.
Temporary housing
Transitional housing is top of mind for planners. Priority areas also include short-term housing for emergency workers (primarily through hotels initially) and interim housing for those who need to be in the community while their properties are rebuilt or repaired. Housing and siting options are under consideration.
Community leaders are adamant that residents fill out the Alberta government’s Needs Assessment Survey. Authorities need the information to know how many units, and what household configurations, are required when transitional housing construction begins.
Q: If we can go home, but can’t live there, and insurance coverage has stopped, what can we do?
A: Interim housing solutions are being planned and coordinated. For people with disabilities or mobility issues, we will provide appropriate transportation solutions when the time is appropriate.
Sifting
Homeowners whose properties were destroyed are understandably anxious to see the extent of their damages. Will residents be able to access property on August 16 if their property is gone? i.e. can they go through the rubble?
A: Due to significant hazards, no-one can cross the fence barricades and enter their property. Part of the plan is to work with third parties for homeowners to direct recovery work on their property. The IMT is working with two organizations that provide this specialized recovery service, and more details will be provided over the next week or so.
Business insurance
For businesses that were insured before the wildfire, those insurance policies are still in effect, and renewals are taking place normally. However, those looking for a new insurance policy right now will run into difficulties because Jasper is still under an evacuation order (expected to be downgraded to an evacuation alert by Friday). When there is an evacuation order, there are temporary restrictions on the sale of new insurance policies for businesses and homes. Once the wildfire threat eases, businesses will be able to get new insurance policies.
Q: Businesses that are still standing are having a hard time with insurance. What can we expect from the government since our tourism season is gone?
A: Insurance is the primary line of support for businesses. Reach out to your insurance broker or the insurance bureau of Canada. If you are having issues with your insurance provider, the superintendent of insurance in Alberta can provide information about resolving complaints with your insurance company.
Q: As a small business owner, when can we begin business again?
A: That is up to you and your insurance company. You can start when you are ready. No limitations or restrictions have been imposed on the operations of businesses.
Home insurance
Q: Can residents enter their homes before the insurance adjuster does?
A: You own your property. If you feel it is safe to enter, you can enter. The insurance adjuster may want to be there when you go in to start doing the assessment together.
Mental health supports
A question came up about mental health services and their availability in Jasper. Alberta Health Services personnel confirmed that emergency services will be available in Jasper, and will include mental health support, but noted the importance of emergency resources being prioritized for emergency situations.
“There are additional Alberta Health Services resources in Hinton and other reception centres. Make sure to check in on friends and family and to plan ahead. Call 211 for referral to mental health support.”
Displaced evacuees
Q: What will happen to people in the Calgary evacuation centre who don’t have the same mobility as others?
A: Check with your local reception centre for assistance with transportation.
Chipping in
Q: Is there a job board so that we can get in there and help rebuild?
A: MOJ is unable to accept volunteer offers now due to the active wildfire. Check the regular job boards that you normally follow.
Potable water
Potable water will be available in the east end. Resumption of service to the west end will take longer. A map showing areas of the townsite with a boil water advisory is on the AHS website.
Senior supports
Concern for residents of Alpine Summit Seniors Lodge had facilitators explaining that the re-opening of the facility will occur after the town has gone through most of the re-entry phase.
“[This is] to ensure that the services seniors depend on are available and that staffing levels are appropriate to allow people to come home.”
Evacuation order and insurance
Q: Will financial support from insurance companies be cancelled due to the evacuation order being lifted? People may still have homes in the west end of town, but cannot return due to damage?
A: Your claim will not automatically be cancelled due to lifting of the evacuation order. For those with totally destroyed or severely damaged homes, payments for alternate accommodation will continue until you can complete the necessary repairs or rebuilding of your home. If your home is not damaged and you are able to live there, your payments will cease once the evacuation order is lifted.
Waste streams
A question was asked about the increased amount of garbage that people will have. Planners are still working on strategies for specific waste streams, the answer came. Sufficient regional capacity exists for disposal, and removal of rubble from private properties is at the discretion of insurance companies and the landowner.
JPL re-entry
Q: Is Jasper Park Lodge included in the August 16 re-entry plan?
A: No, it is not. Jasper Park Lodge has access to the site to assess the condition of the property and to prepare to resume operations at a later date.
Tenant/landlord matters
A resident wanted to know if their landlord could stop them from returning home on Friday. The response was that as long as it is safe to reenter the townsite and access the building, tenants may return to their suites once the evacuation order has been lifted.
Q: How do I prove residency if I am a seasonal worker from another city?
A: Use your Record of Employment (ROE) or paystub to prove Jasper residency.
Accommodation support
Q: Will our current hotel accommodation be extended if the evacuation order is changed?
A: Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie accommodation agreements continue until August 24.
Q: Will we get extra support from the Red Cross to go back and forth to our homes to assess the condition before moving back?
A: Hotel and food support provided by the Red Cross in Edmonton will continue through August 24. The Red Cross is assessing the need for unmet basic needs and will provide more details shortly.
Air quality
In response to a question about wearing a mask, panelists said air quality is being monitored in Jasper and that it is currently meeting all standard health requirements.
“It can change very quickly. Monitor it regularly.”
The greatest health risk is from small particles in smoke. It is recommended to limit activity outside if having difficulty breathing.
“You can reduce your health risk by closing your windows, closing fresh air intakes and using a humidifier. At this point, we would not suggest that you need to wear a mask.”
It was noted that N95 or KN95 masks are effective against wildfire smoke and that disposable masks are not effective against wildfire smoke.
Utility matters
Q: Where can we go for current information about where power, water, gas has been restored?
A: See the MOJ website re-entry guide. There is a direct link to an online ATCO map for electricity and natural gas for the town.
Q: Is ATCO gas required to inspect the gas line and light pilot lights before re-entry?
A: The re-entry guide explains the process. Your natural gas meter will have a lock on it. Do not remove it yourself. ATCO will remove it. During re-entry you will receive a yellow placard. Place it in a visible window in the front of your home so that the “natural gas required” statement is facing outward. For areas where natural gas has been restored, ATCO crews will go door to door to relight and ensure all are in safe working order.
Security issues
The RCMP has a large contingent currently working in Jasper, plus regular RCMP staff. It was noted that in the wake of the 2011 Slave Lake wildfire, there was an uptick in fraud during the rebuild. The RCMP has extra members assigned to Jasper and the highways and RCMP will continue to support the community and monitor for potential fraud scams.
With files from Andrea Ziegler // info@thejasperlocal.com
