After last summer’s devastating wildfire that destroyed nearly 30% of Jasper, the Alberta government pledged $112 million to provide emergency modular housing for displaced residents. The housing was supposed to be ready by the end of January 2025. But with only two days left in the month, that promise remains unfulfilled.
Instead of delivering the funds to secure temporary housing for the 600 homeless residents, the province is withholding the money until the federal government agrees to expand Jasper’s townsite boundaries.
In a joint news release, Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon and Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver stated, “Alberta’s government remains ready to build homes for displaced Jasperites, but we can’t do that without land. If the federal government decides to step up and make land available, the province is ready to build the homes.”
Municipal officials have said the provincial plan would only allow for 60 homes to be built, as land-planning rules for single-family homes mean permanent homes would take up more space than temporary structures. According to the municipality, 250 residents are needed immediately.
Limitations
Under the Canada National Parks Act, Jasper has strict boundaries to maintain the park’s ecological integrity. The act limits the town’s footprint, and both Parks Canada and the municipality aim to rebuild within these boundaries by increasing housing density.
At the same time, Jasper residents find themselves caught in the middle of yet another dispute between Alberta and the federal government. Many locals are frustrated, particularly over what they see as Alberta’s broken promise. Recently, around 300 residents took to the streets in protest.
“I don’t know why the UCP would commit and promise something and then just completely revoke it,” said Sabrina Charlebois, who has been living in a hotel in Jasper since November. “Because they’re not getting their way, they’re just pulling out completely? That’s unacceptable.”
Charlebois helped organize a protest on January 24 against the blocked funding. NDP housing critic Janis Irwin attended the demonstration, stating, “Instead of being willing to support the folks here, they’re wanting to fight with the federal government and with Parks Canada.”
In response, the municipality and Parks Canada are now looking into alternative solutions, such as work camp-style housing and duplexes, to replace the province’s original housing plan.
Meanwhile, Alberta is hanging on tightly to its promised money.
