Photo: May 21, 2025
Jasper recovery
Jasper National Park
Parks Canada is committed to Jasper’s recovery from the 2024 wildfire. Find clear, accurate information on rebuilding and how Parks Canada is supporting the process. This site is here to guide you every step of the way. Updates are ongoing as recovery progresses.
The Jasper Recovery Coordination Centre
The Jasper Recovery Coordination Centre (JRCC), led by Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper, is focused on restoring services, supporting residents and rebuilding infrastructure to support recovery in Jasper after the 2024 Jasper wildfire. The JRCC currently has multiple working groups dedicated to debris management, rebuilding, interim housing, economic recovery and social recovery.
The JRCC was established on August 22, 2024 to ensure continued collaboration and progress as the community moves forward. Significant milestones have been achieved by working together.
Exploring more ways to bring residents back to Jasper
Parks Canada is exploring other ways to support interim housing and temporary accommodations. Work underway with the Municipality of Jasper and supporting agencies includes making land at Wabasso Campground for contractors for the rebuild workforce.
In addition to this, Parks Canada is continuing to work with the Municipality of Jasper to identify additional parcels of land within the townsite for interim and long-term housing. There are currently 4 parcels of land for interim housing within the Jasper townsite. See the map here.
Staff accommodations outside of town and previously identified for decommissioning have been reopened for use, and Parks Canada is collaborating with commercial operators outside the town for on-site interim housing solutions.
Government of Canada announcements
Prime Minister Carney announces $187 million to help Jasper rebuild
Government of Canada investments bolster business, housing and tourism recovery in Jasper
Government of Canada announces over $160 million for Jasper Housing, Recovery and Wildfire Response
Government of Canada Funding for 2024 Wildfire Season in Parks Canada Administered Places, including Jasper National Park Wildfire Response, Recovery and Interim Housing
Rebuilding after the fire: Minister Boissonnault announces new recovery program for Jasper small businesses
Rebuilding Jasper - Contractor Camping Program
From June 23 to October 12, 2025, campsites at Wabasso Campground will be available to contractors involved in rebuild-related construction activities. The campground is only available to contractors and will remain closed to the public until further notice. Information on campgrounds in Jasper National Park is available on the tent and RV campsite website.
The areas of the campground reopening for contractors will not have potable water and have limited amenities including:
- Firewood
- Dump station
- Washrooms with non-potable water
Application
Applications are open - contractors should apply at least five business days in advance of arrival date to allow for applications to be processed.
Applications are evaluated on a first-come first-serve basis in a phased approach as clean up and preparation is complete. 50 electrical campsites are currently available with the possibility of 120 unserviced sites opening later in the camping season.
There are no limits on length of stay for this program.
| Campground | Sites | Occupancy per site |
|---|---|---|
| Wabasso Campground | 50 sites – electrical only | Maximum occupancy per site: 4 adults |
| 120 sites – unserviced | Maximum occupancy per site: 4 adults |
The following information will be collected:
- Contractor applicant name, company name and contact information
- Camping unit information and vehicle information
- Address of where the contractor is conducting rebuilding work in Jasper. A signed contractor agreement/business licence will also be required prior to confirming your reservation.
All Parks Canada regulations apply: National Park Regulations - Jasper National Park
ApplyJasper seasonal residents camping program application
From May 9 to October 13, 2025, Parks Canada has set aside a total of 31 campsites to provide long-term camping for seasonal residents as part of the interim housing strategy for Jasper. The Jasper seasonal residents camping program provides sites for Jasper seasonal residents unable to find housing for their staff as a result of the 2024 Jasper Wildfire.
| Campgrounds | Services | Occupancy per site |
|---|---|---|
| Whistlers Campground | 11 sites with power and showers. No fire pits | Max 4 adults |
| Sleepy Hollow | 20 sites with power. No showers and fire pits | Max 4 adults |
Temporary uses in the Town of Jasper - Interim policy
Parks Canada has introduced a Temporary Use Policy , providing additional flexibility to continue to help residents and businesses recover from wildfire impacts.
Highlights include:
- Permitting the use of RVs for residential purposes. Up to two RVs per leasehold can be located on lots in residential, commercial, and institutional zones without a permit. RV generator use will be limited to specific hours to minimize disruptions.
- Supporting temporary work camps. Applications will be reviewed case-by-case in commercial, industrial, and select residential areas.
- Guiding the use of quonsets and shipping containers for storage. Permits may be required depending on size or materials stored.
- Allowing for storage of construction materials on all residential areas without a permit with lessee permission.
No temporary uses shall be permitted on lots requiring demolition and debris removal until a Parks Canada Certificate of Completion has been issued.
Resident Camping Program application - Site allocations will begin on April 7, 2025
From May 7 to October 13, 2025, Parks Canada has set aside 71 campsites to provide long-term camping as part of the interim housing strategy for Jasper. The long-term camping program is open for those affected by last year’s wildfires. The allocation of campsites will be determined by the Jasper Recovery Coordination Centre using a priority matrix tool developed for interim housing.
| Campgrounds | Services | Occupancy per site |
|---|---|---|
| Whistlers | 20 sites with power, water, sewer and showers. No fire pits | Max 6 people |
| Whistlers | 31 sites with power and showers. No fire pits | Max 6 people |
| Sleepy Hollow | 20 sites with power. No showers and no fire pits | Max 6 people |
Have questions on rebuilding?
There are a few great ways to get information to help you through the rebuilding process.
- The Rebuilding Guide presents a step-by-step guide to applying for permits, and presents some key FAQs.
- The Applying for permits to build or renovate in the park provides details on how to apply for different types of permits, including a residential home, commercial building, or project in the S block district.
- Development Officer are available for in-person or virtual meetings. To set up a meeting, please email jasperdevelopment@pc.gc.ca or attend a drop-in hours.
Interim housing
Interim housing
Parks Canada is supporting interim housing in multiple ways, including making 4.25 hectares of land available and procuring a range of interim housing units.
The site servicing of the parcels were completed November 18, 2024, and December 6, 2024. Interim housing units for Jasper started arriving on February 11, 2025, and the first wave of Jasperites moved into units at the end of February. Parks Canada is also providing and preparing Marmot Meadows, adjacent to Whistlers Campground, for interim housing units.
Parks Canada is in the process of securing higher-density interim housing solutions for the community and Parks Canada employees.
Parks Canada is providing:
- 4.25 hectares of land in town and land at Marmot Meadows and Wabasso Campgrounds.
- 162 trailers (single, double and triple units), slated primarily for within the Jasper townsite and Marmot Meadows depending on space constraints within town.
- 120 single dorm-style units at Marmot Meadows, suitable for singles or couples, with shared kitchen and laundry spaces.
- 24 prefabricated units.
In addition to these interim housing units, 71 seasonal campsites are reserved for resident interim housing and 31 for Jasper businesses for their staff in 2025.
Rebuilding Jasper
Rebuilding Jasper
In October 2024, the policies that apply to development in Jasper were updated using the following guiding principles: make rebuilding easier, rebuild with fire in mind, increase housing options, climate resilience, and sustainability. A summary of changes is included in the Rebuilding Guide which is now available.
Planners from Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper are ready to meet with you to answer questions about your building design. Parks Canada is and will continue to receive rebuild applications. Together with the Municipality, we are looking at ways to streamline the application process.
The Jasper Builders Guide (Published March 2025) is a comprehensive resource designed to help builders, designers, and contractors navigate the rebuilding process in Jasper. The guide covers design standards, permits, fees, operational requirements, servicing standards and additional resources to support your project.
Key rebuild highlights
Parks Canada, in close collaboration with the Municipality of Jasper, is working hard to make rebuilding easier. Together, we’ve reviewed the permitting and development process from start to finish, leading to changes like reduced compliance deposit requirements and fewer permitting steps. A summary of improvements will be updated here more changes are made. Visit Parks Canada's Jasper development webpage for detailed requirements. For help navigating any aspect of the rebuild process please feel free to book a drop in meeting with a planner or schedule a longer session to review your unique needs.
Update - May 2025 – Fast-track variances for like-for-like wildfire rebuilds
Parks Canada has simplified variance approval processes for the most common “like-for-like” variances inside the Jasper townsite to support of recovery after the 2024 Jasper Wildfire.
What is "like-for-like"?
In general, "like-for-like" means the new building closely matches what was there before the wildfire—similar setbacks, footprint, overall shape, height, roof form and roof pitch. Some flexibility is allowed to meet modern building codes. The interior of the structure may be different than what existed previously on-site. Final determination is made by the Development Office based on how closely the proposal reflects the original structure.
Which variances can be pre-approved when related to like-for-like rebuilds?
- Side and rear setbacks, building heights and site coverage
- Roof-pitch requirements
- Requests to place the primary entrance facing the side setback.
Note - Pre-approval for front setbacks is not included due to the need to verify impacts to utility easements.
Eligibility checklist
The variances listed above can be pre-approved when all of the following are true:
- The property was damaged or destroyed in the 2024 Jasper Wildfire.
- You are rebuilding “like-for-like”—essentially matching the previous footprint, height, roof form/pitch and setbacks. Small changes to meet today’s building code are included.
Projects that don’t meet these conditions follow the standard variance process.
How it works?
- Apply for a development permit by submitting a Development Permit Application form and the required supporting documents (which depend on the type of development you are applying for). Detailed information on applying for permits is available here.
- Development Officers will review your application and work to approve the permit.
- No separate variance application, no variance fee and no public-notice posting are required.
Update March 2025 – Permit Statistics
Here is a snapshot of the status of permitting as of March 2025:
- 18 new staff have been added to support planning and development across Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper
- 99% of demolition permits issued
- 82 Development Permits Issued since September, with the first residential permit issued on February 3, 2025
- 12 variance applications approved since December 2, 2024
- 215 pre-development meetings held since the end of October 2024
- 1,350+ emails and phone calls with lessees and contractors since December 1, 2024
Update February 2025 – Compliance deposit requirements have been reduced
In the past, applicants had to pay a large compliance deposit at the beginning of the permitting process. These deposits could range from $40,000 to $500,000, depending on the size of the project.
Now, applicants only need to pay a smaller deposit once they receive occupancy approval, rather than at the building permit stage. This means most homeowners won’t need to pay a deposit anymore. For commercial or larger developments, a deposit may still be required.
Compliance deposits help ensure that outstanding permit conditions like landscaping, siding, or code issues– are completed according to approved plans. Once all permit conditions are met, applicants receive their deposit back.
The new system reduces the financial burden for applicants and helps speed up the permitting process, while still ensuring the project meets conditions. This change applies across Jasper National Park, including within the Jasper townsite.
The details:
- The compliance deposit is now required at the time of conditional occupancy, not at time of building permit issuance.
- The deposit amount will be based on 15% of the value of any outstanding landscaping costs and up to 100% of the costs of other outstanding conditions, only when the total value of those outstanding conditions exceeds $50,000.
- These changes are intended to streamline permitting and reduce financial barriers for applicants.
- As a result of these changes, most residential developments will no longer need to provide large upfront financial deposits.
Update February 2025 – Simplifying permitting
In the building permit process, Parks Canada has eliminated the requirement for foundation elevation checks which simplifies the permitting process by issuing a single-stage building permit.
Parks Canada previously issued building permits for projects requiring a foundation in two stages. The first stage permitted only the pouring of the foundation, and once the foundation was verified by a professional surveyor, the permit was amended to allow full construction.
What’s changed?
The new approach has eliminated the requirement for foundation elevation checks. This simplifies the permitting process by issuing a single-stage building permit, making the building process faster.
Update December 2024 – Fees for permits
New Land Use Planning Regulations for the National Parks came into effect in December 2024. These new regulations introduce a new fee structure for planning services to replace outdated fees that had not been changed in over 50 years. In response to the unique circumstances caused by the Jasper wildfire, all land use planning and development fees will be reduced for all properties to be no more than they would have been prior to the new Land Use Planning Regulations coming into force until further notice.
For more information on what fees may apply to projects, please contact the Development Office at developpementjasper-jasperdevelopment@pc.gc.ca.
Update October 2024 – Rebuilding guide and updated development policies
In October 2024, the policies that apply to development in Jasper were updated using the following guiding principles: make rebuilding easier, rebuild with fire in mind, increase housing options, climate resilience, and sustainability. A team of Parks Canada and Municipality of Jasper planners also published a Rebuilding Guide, which summarizes the policy updates, present FAQs for rebuilding, and provides information on steps to follow when rebuilding.
NEW - Development office statistics
Development office statistics
This page provides current information on development and building permit activity at the Jasper Development Office. Here, you’ll find data on:
- Current average permit processing timelines
- Volume of applications received
- The number of permits at each stage of the review process
These statistics are updated regularly to offer a clear view of processing trends, current volume of applications and what is being done to streamline processes and speed up review timelines.
A development office helps guide safe, organized construction by ensuring projects align with local plans, zoning, and building codes. Permits are a standard requirement in any jurisdiction—they protect public safety, the environment, and property values by ensuring projects meet established standards.
Current development permit timelines
We know timelines matter. The following table provides information on current average timelines for development permit review. We are actively expanding capacity and focusing our efforts on streamlining processes to reduce timelines. Information on average timelines will be updated regularly.
Current average timelines for development permits (number of days from permit submission to issuance in business days)
| Application category | May 2025 | June 2025 | July 1, 2025 – July 14, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete and conforming |
38 business days | 34 business days | 31 Business Days |
| Incomplete or minor non-conformance | 49 business days | 57 business days | - |
| Major non-conformance | 112 business days | 70 business days | 101 Business Days |
| *Please see below for details on volume of applications * | |||
Preliminary review timeline
Once we receive your permit application, our team will conduct a preliminary review to confirm that all required documentation is included. This step can take up to 20 business days, however we will do our best to complete this as quickly as possible. Exact timelines are impacted by the volume and completeness of applications received.
Before the 2024 wildfire, Parks Canada’s Development Office in Jasper had two staff members dedicated to permitting. As of April 2025, the team has grown to 11 people—reflecting our commitment to faster, more efficient approvals as a key part of Jasper’s recovery. Our team can most quickly review and process applications if they are complete upon submission.
Speed up the permit process with a complete application
Only 40% of development applications are complete and conforming when first submitted.
That means 60% of applications require revisions, leading to delays and extra work for both applicants and the development office.
Why it matters
Incomplete applications:
- Require back-and-forth communication
- Take more time and effort for applicants
- Increase the workload and slow down the processing of other permits
Speed up your application process
To avoid delays and help us serve you faster:
- Review your application carefully before submitting
- Ensure all required information and details are included
Book a pre-application meeting with a planner from Parks Canada or the Municipality of Jasper. These meetings are one of the best ways to set your application up for success.
Development office numbers (updated July 14, 2025)
Overview of permits issued
| Category | May 2025 | June 2025 | July 1, 2025 – July 14, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition permit – 124 total | 32 demolition permits closed out | 51 demolition permits closed out | 26 demolition permits closed out |
| Development permit – 204 total | Residential:
1 – Lake Edith rebuild 1 – new residential build (representing 40 dwelling units)
1 – interim industrial park
|
Residential:
2 – garage suites 1 – interim housing
1 – sign permit
|
Residential:
1 – Out of town rebuild
|
| Building permit – 65 total | Residential:
1 – apartment rebuild
1 – rebuild at outlying hotel |
Residential:
1 – condo rebuild 1 – garage suite |
Residential:
|
Permit map for fire-affected properties
A map showing the locations of permits issued for fire-impacted properties is available on the Municipality of Jasper’s website HERE.
Volume of applications
This table provides an overview of where current applications are in the development permit approval process.
Development applications in progress - in-town as of July 14, 2025
| Status | |
|---|---|
| Permit applications currently under review by a development officer | 58 (includes 25 residential rebuilds, 3 commercial rebuilds, 30 ‘other’*) |
| Application ready for review by development officer (administrative staff have reviewed, all required elements appear to have been submitted) | 12 (includes 8 residential rebuilds, 1 commercial rebuild, 3 ‘other’*) |
Development office inquiries as of July 14, 2025
Permits are often the culmination of many hours of work with a proponent. Development Officers from Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper have been holding drop-in sessions and scheduled pre-application meetings since October 2024.
| Emails and phone calls with lessees and contractors since December 2024 | 2640 (roughly 83 per week) |
| Pre-application meetings since end of October 2024 | 445 |
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