By Abigail Popple
The Municipality of Jasper has released a map and list of the addresses of damaged and destroyed structures within the townsite. The information is based on what is visible from the street, so there may be additional damage inside the structures – including in buildings marked as “not damaged,” which may still have damage from water and smoke.
The map is colour-coded, with green indicating no damage visible from the street, yellow meaning there is visible damage, and red meaning destroyed.
Internal damage assessment cannot be carried out by the Municipality, according to its webpage on the map.
Residents will have to see internal damage upon re-entry. However, the townsite is not yet safe for residents to tour due to chemicals released from structural fires and the wildfire still burning on the town’s perimeter.
The Municipality advises people to reach out to their insurance companies as soon as possible. The Insurance Bureau of Canada can help evacuees navigate their insurance claim.
Tenants should reach out to their tenants’ insurance provider if they have one, or visit https://evacuationpayment.alberta.ca/ to apply for the Government of Alberta’s evacuation funding.
Other evacuees from Jasper can also apply for evacuation payment by visiting the above link.
The Municipality’s FAQ on the damaged structures includes a list of mental health resources for evacuees, including the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta, which offers three free sessions (reachable at 1-888-424-0297 or [email protected]) and Alberta 211, a crisis line and directory of resources (accessible by calling 211, texting INFO to 211, or visiting ab.211.ca).
Finally, the Municipality is available to answer further questions from evacuees at [email protected].
