Jasper – Hundreds of Jasper homeowners are navigating the choices for rebuilding their homes after the Jasper Wildfire ignited structures in the town of Jasper in July 2024. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting residents as they rebuild, working side-by-side with the Municipality of Jasper.
Ministerial Lead for Jasper Recovery, Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, released updates to local land use policy in the town of Jasper. The changes simplify the process of rebuilding for anyone who lost structures within the townsite. This builds on the momentum of Bill C-76, passed unanimously in Parliament to enable the transfer of some development authorities from Parks Canada to the Municipality of Jasper.
The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada, with the Municipality of Jasper, have been working closely together through the Jasper Recovery Coordination Centre. Together, they outlined a 5-phase approach to rebuilding Jasper. Today’s launch of the Rebuilding Guide marks the completion of Phase 1. This guide summarizes updates to the Town of Jasper Land Use Policy and Architectural Motif Guidelines to simplify the rebuilding process.
The land use policy changes focus on making rebuilding easier for Jasperites, rebuilding with wildfire in mind, increasing housing options, climate resilience and sustainability. Individual changes are increasing community resilience to wildfire by requiring the use of non-combustible materials on the exterior of new buildings being rebuilt, and that the 1.5 m area around them are non-combustible. Key changes to support housing include allowing leaseholders with lots formerly zoned for single-detached dwellings to build either one or two primary dwelling units on a lot, reduced parking requirements, making subdivision easier and more options for accessory dwellings. Newly established minimum standards and guidance for those who wish to go beyond the minimum standard encourage a balance between safety and increased housing. This approach will provide the flexibility for innovation by homeowners while promoting essential safety and resilience while maintaining the unique character of the national park community.
“Our government is simplifying process and policies to help Jasperites rebuild their homes and businesses, as quickly and efficiently as possible. We are in this together, and for as long as it takes to get Jasper back to its former glory. Streamlining things will help the community recover now, while strengthening their resiliency for any future threats that come from a changing climate.” – Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada