Jasper's Housing Recovery Stalls Over Dispute Between Alberta and Federal Partners

Alberta's $112M housing plan for wildfire victims faces criticism and delays as local and federal officials push for alternative solutions.

Alberta's $112 million plan to build 250 single-family homes for displaced Jasper residents has been criticized for falling short of addressing the town's urgent housing needs.
The Municipality of Jasper argues that the proposed plan would only result in 60 homes due to land constraints and provincial requirements for permanent single-family units.
Alberta officials, including Minister Jason Nixon, have expressed frustration, blaming delays on the federal government, Parks Canada, and the municipality for failing to provide sufficient land and making what they consider unreasonable demands.
Parks Canada and the municipality are pursuing alternative solutions, including work-camp-style accommodations and duplex units, with some housing potentially ready by late February.
The July 2024 wildfire destroyed a third of Jasper's buildings, displacing over 600 families and causing nearly $1 billion in damage, making housing recovery a critical issue for the town.