Development regulations, laws, policies and guidelines

The following lists some of the most relevant regulations, acts, and guidelines pertaining to development in Jasper National Park. This is not an exhaustive list, and is provided for informational purposes only. Other acts, codes, and regulations may apply to a project, and a Parks Canada development officer should always be contacted for accurate information.

All development in Jasper National Park

Alberta Labour Occupational Health and Safety Act

Rules for health, safety, and wellness in Alberta’s workplaces

Safety codes

Jasper National Park requires that construction be reviewed against the most recent iteration of Alberta Building Code or National Building Code, whichever is more stringent. Construction must also comply with the National Fire, Energy, and Plumbing Codes.

Canada Environmental Assessment Act

How and when environmental assessments must be conducted for projects on federal lands

Canada National Parks Act

Enables Parks Canada to create and maintain national parks and national park reserves. The provisions of the act give Parks Canada authority to regulate land use planning development in the national parks.

Commercial Clean Fill Disposal at Marmot Pit (PDF, 183 KB)

Parks Canada Agency (PCA) is opening Marmot Pit as a commercial clean fill disposal location for third party contractors operating in Jasper National Park. This document outlines a Five Step Process and requirements contractors must follow prior to disposing clean fill at the Marmot Pit.

Eligible Residency

All persons living in Jasper National Park must meet eligible residency requirements.

Guidelines and Specifications for Outdoor Lighting at Parks Canada (PDF, 660 KB)

Provides specifications for dark sky preserve-compliant lighting to minimize the impact of artificial lighting on the night environment while maintaining public safety. Jasper National Park is a Dark Sky Preserve, and all new exterior lighting must be dark sky compliant.

Jasper National Park Management Plan

Provides strategic direction for achieving Parks Canada’s mandate of resource protection, visitor experience, and public appreciation and understanding in Jasper National Park.

National Parks Lease and Licence of Occupation Regulations

Govern how the Minister may grant and amend leases for lands within the National Parks of Canada.

National Parks of Canada Land Use Planning Regulations

Establishes a robust decision-review for new land uses, construction, and renovation projects in the National Parks

Treasury Board Policy on Management of Real Property and the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada

Certain buildings in Jasper National Park, including the Jasper Heritage Railway Station and the Jasper National Park Information Centre, have been designated as federally significant heritage buildings. The attached policy and standards provide regulations designed to protect and preserve the heritage character of federal heritage buildings.

Development in the Town of Jasper

Town of Jasper Land Use Policy

The current land use policy for the Municipality of Jasper. The policies guide and limit what is allowed to be built where, and separates land uses to minimize conflict between neighbours.

Jasper Community Sustainability Plan

Jointly developed between the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada, the plan describes the community’s vision for a sustainable future, and includes strategies to achieve that vision.

Architectural Motif Guidelines for the Town of Jasper

Provides a set of rules designed to maintain a high development standard in Jasper and ensure that new developments harmonize with both the mountain surroundings and existing historical buildings. Where conflict exists, the Town of Jasper Land Use Policy apply.

Municipality of Jasper By-Laws

The Municipality of Jasper has several by-laws which may be relevant for development projects, including by-laws on utilities and lot servicing, off-site levies, and the municipal parking authority.

Landscaping in the Town of Jasper

Need approval for your landscape plan? This webpage lists the native species permitted for planting within the Town of Jasper. It encourages natural landscaping and a movement away from non-native species. Help battle invasive species by planting native!

Design Guidelines for New Development in Old Town Jasper (PDF, 104 KB)

Preapproved Routine Impact Assessment (PDF, 227 KB)

Development in Jasper National Park, excluding the Town of Jasper

Redevelopment Guidelines for Outlying Commercial Accommodations and Hostels in the Mountain National Parks (PDF, 5.4 MB)

Guidelines setting limits to growth as well as parameters for development for visitor accommodation facilities located outside communities in the mountain national parks. Under these regulations, no new outlying commercial accommodations or hostels will be permitted.

Landscaping in Jasper National Park (outside the Town of Jasper)

For those who are landscaping outside the Town of Jasper, this webpage lists permitted plant species and guidelines for planting locations. It considers direction from Firesmart Canada and stresses the importance of planting only native species.