Repairs to water and sewer infrastructure affected by the 2024 Jasper wildfire could cost more than $9 million, according to a report presented to council on Tuesday (April 14).
Councillors meeting as Committee of the Whole recommended council amend the 2026 capital budget to include a $2.15-million first phase to replace curb stop valves in the Cabin Creek Drive, Lodgepole Street and Miette Avenue neighbourhoods.
$1,505,000 of this first of phase repairs is funded by a disaster recovery program grant and $510,000 will be covered by capital reserves.
Committee did not make a recommendation on the $7-million second phase.
“These repairs are required to restore full functionality of the water distribution system and ensure reliable service during ongoing community recovery,” said Jasper’s Director of Recovery, Doug Olthof.
In September, a site tour identified damage to the curb stop valves on all properties within Cabin Creek and 90 per cent of damaged properties in other impacted areas. This damage was due to firefighting operations, debris management and utility replacement activities.
The second phase would focus on the remaining fire-affected blocks, including the 700 block of Connaught Drive; 700, 800 and 900 blocks of Patricia Street; and 800 block of Geikie Street.
“These areas require more comprehensive rehabilitation of aged sewer and water mains prior to reestablishing services,” Olthof said.
Because much of this infrastructure is aged and not damaged by the wildfire, provincial recovery funding will cover only a small portion of phase-two work. Olthof said staff would return to council with a report and a detailed funding strategy for the second phase.
CAO Bill Given said it was essential to get both phases done as quickly as possible to avoid a failure in a water or sewer line damaging a newly constructed home.
“That would be my greatest fear,” Given said. “It would just add to the trauma and complication of someone who just reoccupied a property.”
Council is expected to decide on the first phase next week.
Housing loan guarantee
The Municipality may act as a guarantor for the Jasper Municipal Housing Corporation so it can secure a $14.2-million federal loan for the Connaught Drive Below Market Housing Development.
Committee recommended council give first and second reading to the loan guarantee bylaw, which will likely occur next week.
Leanne Pelletier, municipal housing manager, said the guarantee would apply to $14.2 million in funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This is made up of a $5-million forgivable loan and a $9.2-million repayable one.
“As part of their securities agreement, CMHC requires the Municipality to guarantee both portions of the loan,” Pelletier said.
The $21-million housing project would create 40 below-market units and is the first residential project undertaken by the Jasper Municipal Housing Corporation.
Land purchase
Council will consider purchasing 1249 Cabin Creek Drive for $355,000 to potentially use for developing affordable housing.
The Municipality already owns 1251 Cabin Creek Drive, an adjacent property. The residential homes on both properties were destroyed in the July 2024 wildfire.
“It creates an opportunity for redevelopment on that site utilizing the two parcels together,” Given said.
The site was also evaluated as a “high-priority acquisition” since it was properly zoned, serviced and cleared of wildfire debris, he added. The purchase would be funded through the community housing reserve.
Committee recommended council make the purchase, with a decision expected next week.
Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative // info@thejasperlocal.com
