Temporary housing applications are open as services slowly come back online
A month after a wildfire ravaged the townsite of Jasper, the community and the arteries that help sustain it are being brought back to life.
As of yesterday (Friday, August 23), Highway 93N from the Columbia Icefields Area has been reopened to through traffic. On August 19, Highway 16 fully re-opened. Both travel corridors have no-stopping restrictions in place as Parks Canada works to assess viewpoints and rest stops for hazards. Visitor services remain unavailable on both roads and within Jasper.
Around the Jasper townsite, Parks Canada has prioritized assessments on Pyramid Lake Road to allow residents an opportunity to get back on the trails many hold so dear.
“We understand how important it will be for residents of Jasper to reconnect with nature in their healing journey,” Jasper National Park said in a social media statement.
Retail services
Within the town, alongside critical retail services, some local business are slowly being brought back on-line. Helping those who are beginning the process of rebuilding include staff and volunteers at The Jasper Legion, where the facility has been hosting daily meal services for residents and first responders.
Healthcare
Acute care services have resumed in Jasper as Alberta Health Services works to get the Seton-Jasper Heathcare Centre back in operation. The emergency department reopened August 15, and outpatient laboratory and diagnostic imaging services resumed August 20. There is no current timeline available for when continuing care residents might be repatriated, AHS has said.
“We continue to maintain close relationships with municipal and provincial partners to ensure we have the information we need to develop timelines and a plan for the safe return of residents and patients,” AHS said in a press release.
Cleaning of the Cottage Medical Clinic has been prioritized to allow it to reopen as soon as possible.
School starts September 17
Barring any unforeseen challenges, schools in Jasper will be ready to welcome students back on September 17. Inspections of the schools in Jasper have indicated that there is smoke and ash inside and that air quality is poor, but work to deep clean the schools is currently underway, according to the province.
Families are encouraged to contact their school authority for the most up-to-date information on school operations and back-to-school planning.
Rental housing application
More than 350 structures—mostly residences—were destroyed in the wildfire on July 24. A month later, the Jasper Recovery Task Force is trying to find solutions that meet the diverse housing needs of the community. A housing application form is available (different than the housing survey) for Jasper residents to apply for short-term (to to 90 days) and interim (more than 90 days) housing in Jasper.
“Short-term housing may be hotel rooms or camp-style accommodation, and interim housing may be semi-permanent or modular construction,” according to the MOJ. Priority will be given to vulnerable populations and essential workers. The application is for rental housing.
Evacuee supports
Residents affected by mandatory evacuation orders that last more than seven days are eligible for one-time emergency payments of $1,250 for each adult and $500 for each child under 18-years. Evacuees are encouraged to apply for these emergency payments at evacuationpayment.alberta.ca
The Grande Prairie Reception Centre closes today (August 24). Jasperites in the area can visit the Edmonton Centre until September 3. Find more information at the Municipality of Jasper’s website.
The Re-Entry Support Centre at Commemoration Park is open daily until August 29, 9am – 6pm.
