Skip to content

Alberta providing $149 million to cover municipal costs after Jasper wildfire

e50715030cb6cf81df3089dee605c13ce7d756ce484fda7ad4aa7ea5b42a619c
A homeowner digs in the ashes of their home as some return to Jasper, Alta., on Aug. 19, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

JASPER, ALTA. — The Alberta government is providing close to $150 million to cover costs for the town of Jasper, Alta., a third of which was destroyed in July's wildfire.

Residents affected by the fire can't access the funding, but the town can use the money to cover staff overtime, emergency food and shelter, and other administrative expenses.

Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis says the funding will help speed up Jasper's recovery.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland says the community is grateful for the province's support, and the funding will be critical to rebuilding.

The money is being provided through Alberta's Disaster Recovery Program, which was also used to support Fort McMurray, Alta., after the 2016 fire, as well flooding in central Alberta last year.

The program is designed to cover 90 per cent of eligible costs after a disaster, while the affected municipality is responsible for the rest.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.

The Canadian Press

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks