By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Alberta government is committing $112 million toward interim housing for Jasper residents who lost their homes in the wildfire.
The funding will go toward building 250 modular homes, with the first of these expected to come online as early as January.
“Alberta’s government recognized the unique challenge of rebuilding Jasper in a national park where there are very few communities nearby to live in during the rebuild process,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, during a Monday (Oct. 21) announcement. “These interim housing units will support the recovery process by ensuring that more Jasperites can stay in town while they rebuild their homes, their businesses and their community.”
Contractors have already started servicing sites. Interim housing will be located at the northeast end of town, along Connaught Drive adjacent to the future RCMP detachment and at a work camp just south of Highway 16.
The modular homes will be constructed off-site to allow for all-season construction and accelerated schedules, and they will be installed using permanent foundations.
The units will be provided at market rent. Once the rebuild is complete and the units are no longer required, they will be sold at market value to help alleviate Jasper’s pre-existing housing shortage.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland described the $112-million commitment as a “veritable lifeline” for residents and the housing was “inextricably linked” to the town’s social and economic recovery.
“By creating safe, secure and appropriate places to live, we are fostering a sense of belonging, which is vital for community healing in these challenging times,” Ireland said. “When people have a place to call home, they can better cope with all of life’s pressures and challenges.”
Nixon explained interim housing was ultimately for individuals who lost their homes in the wildfire, with priority going to those essential for the recovery effort. Applications and eligibility criteria will be released at a later date.
Last summer, the Jasper wildfire destroyed more than 800 residential units, displacing around 2,000 residents and destroying about one-third of buildings in the Jasper townsite.
“We understand the tremendous challenges faced by all in the wake of the wildfires, and we are committed to ensuring that the people of Jasper receive the support they need during this difficult time to address the unique challenges that lie ahead,” said Martin Long, MLA for West Yellowhead, which includes Jasper. “As we embark on this journey of rebuilding, the need for temporary housing is more crucial than ever.”
The Alberta government will also be providing interim housing in Hinton to support the 32 residents of Pine Grove Manor, a seniors complex in Jasper that was destroyed in the wildfire.
“This housing commitment provides our seniors with the hope and stability in incredibly uncertain times,” said CAO Kristen Chambers of the Evergreens Foundation, which manages seniors housing in the region. “It’s encouraging to see how the province has kept this vulnerable population in the forefront of their decision-making as they navigate the incredible complexities of this Jasper wildfire.”
Up to 25 units of modular housing will be built in Hinton and will later be used as affordable housing for the West Yellowhead region. Work is expected to begin in January, with the first seniors moving in as early as April.
