Jasper Recovery Framework

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Introduction

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The 2024 Jasper Wildfire

On the evening of Monday, July 22, 2024, multiple lightning strikes caused wildfires to the south of the town of Jasper, Alberta. An additional fire ignited to the northeast of the community at approximately the same time. Extreme conditions, including intense winds and the driest conditions recorded in over 60 years, caused the wildfires to spread rapidly, joining to become 1 fire complex. Community residents and visitors, in total more than 20,000 people, safely evacuated to neighbouring communities across the region.

The aggressive fire sent burning embers kilometres ahead of the fire front and reached town on July 24. Through the courageous work of firefighters from the Municipality of Jasper, Parks Canada, Alberta Wildfire, partner agencies, and from the hundreds of structural and wildland firefighters who came to support from across the region, 70% of structures in the town of Jasper were saved. Essential infrastructure, including the water treatment plant, hospital, schools, grocery stores, RCMP station and Activity Centre, as well as many homes and businesses, survived the wildfire and are in place as the foundation of recovery.

At the peak of the firefighting efforts, approximately 850 personnel from agencies and fire departments across Canada and internationally were involved. Helicopters, air tankers and specialized equipment supported ground crews. This large-scale mobilization was critical in slowing the wildfire’s progression and safeguarding most of Jasper’s structures. Wildfire control efforts outside the townsite were critical in preventing losses on the Pyramid Bench, securing most properties at Lake Edith, and protecting park infrastructure, providing a strong foundation for park recovery. The fire perimeter was contained at 32,700 hectares and classified as under control on September 7, 2024.

The Jasper Wildfire destroyed 30% of the structures in town. The 358 destroyed structures included homes, apartment buildings, a senior's residence, businesses, hotels and churches. It is estimated that 806 units of residential housing were lost in the community of Jasper.^{Footnote 1} The Insurance Bureau of Canada ranks the Jasper Wildfire as the second costliest fire in Canadian history; as of early 2025, insured losses were estimated at $1.23 billion.

Two hundred and fifty-five Parks Canada infrastructure assets, representing 20% of total assets in the park, were destroyed or damaged during the wildfire. Destroyed structures include frontcountry campgrounds, staff housing, an entry gate, trails and day-use areas.

Unified Command, along with the Government of Alberta, Canada Taskforce II, RCMP and many partners from the building industry and utility providers began initial recovery efforts. Community re-entry for residents began on August 16, 2024, once the townsite was deemed safe, with basic levels of service, such as health care, groceries, power, water, sewer and gas available, and immediate hazards removed.

Parks Canada reopened Jasper National Park to visitors as soon as the critical park services of emergency response, law enforcement, visitor safety, garbage collection, washroom cleaning and human-wildlife coexistence were able to operate safely. The major transport corridors of Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway) and 93N (Icefields Parkway) were opened for traffic once the roads were no longer at risk of fire activity and hazards were addressed.

The Government of Alberta, through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and Alberta Wildfire, was closely involved throughout the incident as a key partner.

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Recovery coordination

Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper established the Jasper Recovery Coordination Centre (JRCC) on August 22, 2024, as a transition from Unified Command which had led incident response and community re-entry. The JRCC guides the recovery process and delivers resources and support.

The JRCC has a working-group structure typical of other recovery coordination centres, and a common governance arrangement in the post-disaster recovery field. Working groups are made up of government agencies, industry, and non-governmental representatives, and ensure that recovery actions are centred on the needs of the community, delivered effectively and efficiently, and aligned with the outcomes and objectives of this plan.

The JRCC works within the specific context unique to the Municipality of Jasper, located in the Province of Alberta and inside Jasper National Park. Three levels of government come together through the Jasper-Alberta-Canada Intergovernmental Redevelopment Committee (JAC-IRC), a connection point between the Municipality of Jasper, the Government of Alberta, and the Government of Canada represented by Parks Canada. The JAC-IRC provides oversight, coordination and advice to elected officials on short- and long-term recovery needs.

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Partners in recovery

The JRCC working groups involve many external partners, each helping to advance specific recovery priorities. Working groups meet regularly to bring together diverse partners to collaboratively advance recovery efforts.

Residents

Jasper residents are partners in Jasper’s recovery process, both as they navigate their own personal recovery journeys, and as they contribute to the recovery of the community. The term “resident” includes residents currently living in Jasper, those who continue to be displaced following the wildfire, and new residents and seasonal workers who are vital to the functioning of the town and national park.

Indigenous partners

Jasper National Park and the community of Jasper are located in Treaty 6 and 8 as well as the traditional lands of the Anishinabe, Aseniwuche Winewak, Dene-zaa, Nêhiyawak, Secwépemc, Stoney Nakoda, Mountain Métis, and Métis. We acknowledge the past, present and future generations of these nations who continue to steward the land. Through recovery, we respectfully acknowledge the relationship Indigenous peoples have with this land and we remember our responsibility and obligations to this place and to Indigenous peoples.

Businesses

Businesses are essential partners in recovery. Businesses provide a livelihood for Jasper residents, essential services for residents and businesses, and deliver many of the services which are crucial to each recovery priority.

Insurance providers

The insurance industry plays a vital role in recovery and is often the primary financial support for residents or business owners. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) coordinates between various insurers and provides guidance to residents and information to all levels of government.

Building industry and utilities

The Building Industry and Land Development Association Alberta (BILD Alberta) coordinates construction industry representatives. Industry partners such as ATCO Electric, ATCO Gas and Telus have been instrumental in getting utilities restored to the community of Jasper and in Jasper National Park. Contractors in the transport, construction, remediation, environmental testing, and provision of interim housing industries are essential to recovery priorities, including removing and testing debris, servicing interim housing, and rebuilding lost structures.

Tourism and business organizations

Tourism Jasper, Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce and Community Future West Yellowhead, along with businesses and tourism operators, collaborate to support the delivery of visitor facilities and services, promote the park as a destination and distribute information to visitors and residents.

Non-governmental and community organizations

Non-governmental and community organizations provide essential support services and funding distribution during recovery. The generosity of Canadians following the Jasper Wildfire provided donations to support impacted residents immediately following evacuation, and to support long-term recovery.

The Canadian Red Cross, Team Rubicon, Jasper Community Team Society, Banff Canmore Community Foundation, Salvation Army, Rotary Club and Samaritan’s Purse are a few of the many non-governmental organizations from across Alberta and Canada who stepped up to help Jasper by collecting and distributing donations and organizing events and specialized supports.

Visitors

Visitors are an essential part of social, economic and park recovery. The enthusiasm and appreciation of visitors uplifts our spirits and strengthens our resolve in recovery. Visitors are ambassadors for Jasper as they share their experiences with the broader world and beckon others to experience all that Jasper has to offer.

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Principles and priorities for recovery

Principles

Principles are considered across all recovery priorities. They are informed by recovery best-practices and by resources including the Government of Alberta Provincial Recovery Framework (2020). Jasper Municipal Council’s strategic recovery priorities, as informed by the Municipal Council Recovery Advisory Committee, also shape guiding principles.

Community-centred

Recovery will be shaped by the needs and aspirations of Jasperites. Local input will guide planning and implementation, recognizing that community trust and engagement are essential to long-term success.

Coordinated and collaborative

Effective recovery requires alignment across jurisdictions. Jasper’s approach will be based on strong coordination between municipal, provincial and federal government partners, with clarity of roles, shared priorities and open communication. Partnerships will be strengthened between community groups, businesses and industry organisations to work together towards a successful recovery.

Indigenous connection

Indigenous connection to the landscape is honoured through respectful relationships and opportunities for Indigenous partners to participate in recovery efforts. Recovery actions honour truth and reconciliation in the community of Jasper and Jasper National Park.

Transparent and accountable

Recovery efforts will be guided by clear goals, public reporting and regular evaluation. Transparency and accountability will help maintain public confidence, support informed decision-making, and ensure resources are used effectively. Accurate, clear and responsive communications are essential to maintaining public trust.

Capacity-building

Recovery efforts will strengthen local systems and skills. Initiatives will support training, workforce development and tools that help the community increase capacity and be prepared for future challenges.

Increasing resilience

Recovery is an opportunity to address known vulnerabilities. Infrastructure and housing will be rebuilt to stronger standards, with an emphasis on reducing risk and improving long-term resilience.

Priorities

Our recovery is focused on achieving 6 key priorities. All priorities are essential and are interrelated. Each priority includes objectives which outline key areas of work to achieve the priority.

Priority 1: Debris management

Coordinate the safe and timely removal of wildfire debris to enable rebuilding and protect public health, safety and the environment.

Priority 2: Interim housing

Provide safe and appropriate interim housing for displaced residents and workers, to support stability and continuity during recovery.

Priority 3: Rebuilding homes and businesses

Support the safe, efficient reconstruction of damaged and destroyed homes and businesses, while creating opportunities to address long-term housing needs and increasing resilience to future events.

Priority 4: Social recovery

Foster individual and community well-being through inclusive supports that help people heal and connect.

Priority 5: Economic recovery

Stabilize and strengthen Jasper’s economy by supporting affected businesses, welcoming visitors and enabling workforce recovery.

Priority 6: Park recovery

Rehabilitate park assets and natural areas to support ecological integrity and provide safe and quality visitor experiences.

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Context for recovery planning

Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is administered by Parks Canada on behalf of all Canadians. Annually, 2.4 million visitors visit Jasper National Park to experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In the summer pre-wildfire, the park hosted an average of 15,000 daily visitors and provided camping capacity for approximately 5,400 people. In summer 2024, Canadians represented 45% of all visitors, of which 27% were Albertans. Americans accounted for 24% of visitors, and international visitors made up 31%.^{Footnote 2}

The Canada National Parks Act and supporting regulations provide the parameters for managing activities in Jasper National Park, and outline important provisions for the community, including a legislated townsite boundary and limits on commercial floor area and development. These growth limits have been affirmed for decades through multiple local and national consultative processes. The Jasper National Park of Canada Management Plan (2022) was developed through public consultation and provides further direction for decision-making in the park.

Parks Canada is responsible for land-use planning, development and environmental matters. Land in the community of Jasper is federal Crown land and is leased to individual lessees who own the structures on their leasehold. Residents must meet eligible residency requirements under the National Parks of Canada Lease and Licence of Occupation Regulations.

The Canada National Parks Act was amended by Parliament in fall 2024 to enable the transfer of some planning and development authority within the townsite boundaries from Parks Canada to the Municipality of Jasper. To ensure a smooth transition, and as agreed to by both parties, authorities have not been transferred during the early phases of recovery. Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper are focused on ensuring an efficient and successful recovery. Policy changes are being made under existing Parks Canada authorities in order to add flexibility and streamline processes in support of immediate rebuilding and recovery needs. Both the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada have agreed that the transfer of some land use planning authorities will take place at a later stage with foundational work for this transfer underway alongside ongoing recovery efforts.

Municipality of Jasper

The community of Jasper is the park’s main visitor hub and home to 4,740 year-round residents^{Footnote 3} with an estimated additional 4,000 seasonal staff residents in summer.^{Footnote 4} Hotels, lodges and hostels within and outside the townsite offered accommodations for approximately 6,000 visitors a night before the fire. The town serves as the centre of related services for an average of 13,000 visitors daily during the summer months. 

The Municipality of Jasper, located in northern Alberta, and more than four hours to the nearest city, poses challenges including labour availability and transport of materials. Jasper’s subalpine climate, with long winters limits the construction season.

The Municipality of Jasper was formed by the Province of Alberta on July 20, 2001, and is led by a locally elected mayor and 6-member council who provide leadership, governance and oversight of the operations of the Municipality. The Municipality of Jasper Strategic Priorities 2022–2026 outlines a commitment to community health, housing, relationships, organizational excellence, advocacy and the environment.

The Municipality of Jasper provides services including the municipal fire department, road clearing and maintenance, water treatment and supply, solid waste management, recreation and culture, social supports and childcare.

Jasper has had a housing rental vacancy rate of 0% for many years.^{Footnote 2}.  In 2021, the housing shortage was estimated at approximately 150 additional units required to house the year-round population and an additional 609 units to house the seasonal populations.^{Footnote 5} This shortfall impacts housing availability and affordability and constrains workforce retention and economic stability and has been further exacerbated by the fire.

Direction for the community of Jasper is outlined in the Community Sustainability Plan (2011). The Municipality of Jasper will undertake planning and consultation as part of work on a revised community plan to explore issues beyond recovery to shape the direction for the community of Jasper in the years ahead.

The local recovery context is informed by recommendations of recent reports, including:

• Municipality of Jasper Housing Action Plan (2025)
• Municipality of Jasper Climate Risk Assessment Report (2024)
• Jasper Employment and Education Centre, Jasper Labour Market Study (2023)
• Tourism Jasper Jasper Destination Stewardship Plan 2033 (2023)
• Jasper Community Housing Corporation Governance Review Housing Gap Analysis (2022)

Government of Alberta

The Government of Alberta plays a central role in Jasper’s recovery through legislation, regulatory oversight, funding support and the provision of provincial services including health care, education and services for seniors. Applicable Government of Alberta legislation includes the Emergency Management Act, the Municipal Government Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Alberta manages Disaster Recovery Program funding which supports costs for rebuilding public infrastructure, housing and emergency response efforts. Funding is reimbursed from the Public Safety Canada Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program for eligible costs.

Jasper plays an important role in Alberta’s tourism economy and is a source of pride and a place of deep connection for many Albertans. The Government of Alberta has a goal of growing the province’s visitor economy to $25 billion by 2035^{Footnote 6} ,  and has advocated for Jasper to contribute to achieving an appropriate contribution to that target.

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The Jasper Wildfire impacted structures within the townsite and surrounding Lake Edith, as well as commercial facilities outside the town boundary. The loss of these structures released contaminants from building materials, home and garage contents, and industrial and commercial businesses. Removing hazardous debris and ensuring that air, soil and water support the long-term health and safety of the community is necessary before rebuilding work can begin.

The JRCC looked to best practices from wildfires in urban interface areas, including Slave Lake and Fort McMurray, Alberta, and California to learn about contaminants of concern and appropriate testing standards to protect human health.

Objectives

Protect human health and the environment

Safety of public, workers and the environment is prioritized through environmental monitoring and compliance with federal and provincial legislation and standards. Contaminants in air and soil are remediated to safe levels to ensure the long-term health and safety of the community.

Coordinate efficient debris management

A coordinated approach between the Municipality of Jasper, Parks Canada, utility providers, contractors, IBC, recovery specialists and lessees ensures a more efficient and cost-effective debris management process.

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The return of displaced residents is foundational to the town’s social and economic recovery. In September 2024, six hundred and twenty-one households self-identified as requiring housing in response to the JRCC’s housing needs assessment survey. Interim housing is a lifeline for residents who need a place to live until permanent housing is rebuilt.

The JRCC continues to explore additional options to support the return of as many residents as possible. The selection of interim housing units and locations is underpinned by a focus on ensuring interim housing does not limit options to support permanent housing that meets the long-term needs of the community.

Objectives

Provide scalable and adaptable interim housing

Interim housing is provided and is scalable and adaptable to evolving demands as rebuilding efforts progress. Interim housing does not compromise the ability to provide permanent housing that meets the long-term needs of the community.

Fair and transparent housing allocation

A fair and transparent housing allocation system assigns interim housing units to workers critical to the operation of the community of Jasper or Jasper National Park, residents displaced by the fire with employment in Jasper, the workforce required to restore Jasper’s tourist economy, and displaced eligible residents.

Expanded seasonal and temporary options

Additional interim seasonal housing solutions are facilitated, including use of Parks Canada campgrounds for displaced residents, seasonal workforce and rebuild contractors, and permitting temporary use of trailers on private properties.

Regional transit access

A regional transit solution supports residents and workers housed in interim housing sites as well as those residing in the town of Hinton.

Demobilization and site restoration

Interim housing is demobilized and sites are restored to align with future intended land use, as permanent accommodations become available.

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Rebuilding aims to support the reconstruction of lost structures while creating opportunities to build back in a way that addresses the long-term housing shortage in the town of Jasper. Rebuilding also provides an opportunity to ensure our community is more resilient to climate hazards, such as with fire-resilient design, and address social inequities by providing more affordable and diverse housing.

Objectives

Policy amendments and planning

Planning and policy documents are amended to streamline development, make rebuilding easier, support increased housing supply and increase resilience to wildfire and other climate hazards.

Responsive permitting

Development review and permitting processes are simplified. Staffing is augmented to respond to higher permitting volumes, with applicants receiving clear guidance throughout the process.

Reinstating site services

Site service connections comprising water, power, sewage and gas are reinstated where destroyed. Survey pins are reinstalled where lost to enable correct locations of property boundaries.

Safe and coordinated construction

Construction standards are clearly communicated and enforced to ensure safety and reduce impacts on the community and environment. Rebuilding is coordinated in a neighbourly way to ensure efficient delivery and effective use of laydown areas, and to minimize disruptions to the community.

Support for affordable housing

Recovery efforts enable new affordable housing units to support long-term availability of housing over and above the pre-fire baseline.

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Social recovery is the process through which individuals, families and communities affected by disaster re-establish a state of social, cultural, emotional, spiritual, physical and psychological health and well-being. Programs and supports foster Jasperites’ resilience and ability to move forward with their lives, while honouring and healing from the trauma and grief of the wildfire.

The term “Jasperite” includes current Jasper residents as well as residents who have been displaced by the 2024 Jasper Wildfire and are living elsewhere.

Objectives

Access to recovery supports

Jasperites are aware of and able to access health, social and cultural supports. Partners work collaboratively to ensure that recovery programs and actions are grounded in and responsive to assessed recovery needs.

Community connection

Community events and programs promote connection and foster physical, mental and spiritual well-being while recognising and addressing underlying social vulnerabilities during recovery.

Participation in recovery

Jasperites are active participants in social recovery with opportunities to access information and share perspectives across all recovery priorities. Indigenous partners are engaged and included in recovery efforts in the community of Jasper and Jasper National Park.

Addressing unmet recovery needs

Unmet recovery needs for individuals and families are recognized and addressed where possible.

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Economic recovery refers to the process of stabilizing and revitalizing a local economy following disruption. Economic recovery involves a combination of rapid response measures and long-term planning, support for business continuity and adaptation, collaborative stakeholder engagement, and efforts to strengthen the community’s overall capacity to recover and build resilience against future challenges.

Economic recovery recognises that all people and businesses are impacted by the Jasper Wildfire, as ripple effects of reduced visitation, reduced workforce availability and reduced housing impact the entire community. The business community has a vital role in driving community recovery. Exploring innovative solutions will strengthen economic resilience for all businesses and sectors now and into the future.

Objectives

Business stability and workforce retention

In collaboration with partners, Jasper’s businesses are supported through targeted tools and programs to stabilize, adapt and achieve long-term viability through recovery. Policies and procedures are adapted where possible to consider individual recovery circumstances.

Interim commercial spaces and support

Businesses displaced by the fire have access to interim spaces and supports to restart operations and re-establish a viable presence in Jasper’s economy.

Welcoming visitors

Communications, events and product development from municipal, provincial, federal and industry partners supports sustainable tourism recovery by welcoming visitors to experience Jasper’s awe-inspiring landscape in all seasons.

Indigenous participation in economic recovery

Indigenous partners participate in economic recovery through contracting, procurement, guided-business licensing and other business opportunities.

Monitoring economic recovery progress

Economic recovery indicators and success stories are tracked and shared to monitor and inform future recovery efforts.

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Parks Canada reopens areas of the park by addressing hazards such as danger trees and slope stability on trails, day-use areas, and campgrounds impacted by the Jasper Wildfire. Parks Canada plans for the replacement of destroyed assets, taking into account available resources, asset priorities and increasing resilience to extreme weather events.

Parks Canada supports ecosystem renewal after a fire to maintain and restore ecosystem structure and function. Parks Canada supports natural processes and minimizes negative impacts to the landscape by promoting responsible visitor use and park management. Opportunities for Indigenous connection are throughout the objectives in this section.

Objectives

Safe reopening of park facilities

Trails, campgrounds, day-use areas, roadways, visitor information centres, entry gates and operational areas are reopened when safe to do so, with communications to support safe and quality visitor experiences.

Resilient rebuilding of park infrastructure

Park infrastructure destroyed by the wildfire is rebuilt and adapted to support visitor experiences and operational needs, incorporating Indigenous perspectives and increasing resilience to future risks.

Environmental protection during recovery activities

Environmental protection measures, including impact assessments and identified mitigations, are applied throughout recovery and rebuilding to maintain and restore ecological integrity and cultural heritage.

Supporting natural regeneration

Natural regeneration processes are supported by protecting sensitive areas, sharing stewardship messages with visitors and residents, and monitoring and adaptively managing fire-impacted areas.

Monitoring wildlife and managing human-wildlife coexistence

Wildlife distribution, abundance and behaviour are monitored in fire-impacted areas as natural processes of regeneration occur. Measures are taken to manage human-wildlife coexistence in fire-impacted areas, especially in areas of high human use.

Ecological fire management

Wildfire risk is managed for the Jasper townsite and other valued assets within the park, while acknowledging the role of fire as an important ecological process on the park landscape.

Protecting cultural heritage

In collaboration with Indigenous partners, cultural heritage and cultural resources are protected in ways that respect their diverse origins and their past and present significance.

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Engagement on recovery

Engagement with residents, businesses, Indigenous partners and stakeholder groups ensures that recovery meets the principles of “community-centred” and “Indigenous connection.” Local input is essential to guide planning and implementation and builds trust for a successful recovery.

Community and Indigenous engagement will be ongoing throughout recovery. The JRCC is committed to listening, learning and adjusting the approach to ensure support remains timely, relevant and effective at every stage of the recovery process.

Engagement on the Jasper Recovery Framework

The Jasper Recovery Framework was informed by sessions with Indigenous partners, business and tourism stakeholders, community and non-profit groups, and insurance providers to discuss long-term recovery planning.

The JRCC hosted in-person and online open houses in December 2024, reaching 280 people, and in January 2025, reaching 390 people, to inform and engage residents and businesses. In March 2025, the JRCC participated in the Jasper National Park Annual Public Forum, which reached 160 participants across online and in-person sessions. In July 2025, the JRCC hosted a meet-and-greet to connect with the community, as part of the one-year anniversary commemorative events.

The JRCC is working with experts to guide various aspects of recovery planning. For example, in May 2025, Economic Developers Alberta conducted in-depth engagement with business and economic stakeholders in Jasper as part of a regional project to identify economic recovery and resiliency needs.

Parks Canada engages with Indigenous partners through the Jasper Indigenous Forum. Indigenous partners were engaged on recovery through sessions in fall 2024 and spring 2025. Going forward, Parks Canada will continue to engage with Indigenous partners on recovery priorities of interest.

Guided by local and national consultation

Public participation is integral to administering protected places on behalf of all Canadians. Formal consultation conducted with Indigenous partners, stakeholder groups, park residents, Canadians and visitors during completion of the Jasper National Park of Canada Management Plan (2022) continues to shape long-term strategic direction for decision-making in Jasper National Park.

Additional Parks Canada consultation, including Land Use Planning and Development in the Town of Jasper (2023), and consultation to guide interim changes to the Town of Jasper Land Use Policy to increase more affordable housing options such as secondary suites (2020), provides insight into community perspectives on townsite issues.

Additional local consultation and engagement opportunities on recent reports through the Municipality of Jasper, the Jasper Employment and Education Centre, the Jasper Community Housing Corporation and Tourism Jasper have also informed recovery work.

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Phases of recovery

How long will recovery take? The time it will take to recover from the impacts of the Jasper Wildfire depends on factors that can be influenced by government, businesses and the community, as well as factors that are outside our control, including regional economic trends such as labour market availability. Recovery timelines will also differ based on individual circumstances for each resident, business and park infrastructure asset.

The expected phases of recovery are described below, along with timeframe estimates that are based on progress to-date resourcing, and are informed by community recovery in other jurisdictions. The phases of recovery are illustrated to help provide an estimate of the time recovery may take and to help identify places that timeframes could be positively influenced through additional effort.

Phase 1: Incident response and re-entry (0 to 3 months post-incident)

• Initial damage assessments, utility restoration where possible (water, power, sewage, gas) and removal of hazardous debris.
• Immediate efforts to support safe return of residents.
• Creation of the JRCC and working groups.
• Resumption of business activity where owners are able and willing.
• Jasper townsite and Jasper National Park reopen for visitation with restrictions.

Phase 2: Stabilization (up to 9 months post-incident)

• Community life stabilizes (schools, daycare, library reopen).
• Remaining utilities restored outside the townsite.
• Site servicing, delivery of units and initial occupancy of interim housing.
• Majority of debris removed ahead of rebuilding.
• Development of rebuilding guides and process reviews.
• Implementation of social and economic recovery supports.
• Business resumption continues.
• Winter recreation opportunities in town and park support economic recovery.
• Majority of day-use areas, trails and campgrounds open to support summer visitors.
• Risk reduction work continues and community resilience priorities are identified to prepare for next wildfire season and future climate-related risks.

Phase 3: Transitional recovery (through approximately 3 years post-incident)

• Reinstate site services and survey pins ahead of rebuilding.
• Ramp up rebuilding activity for homes, businesses and infrastructure.
• Additional interim housing operations.
• Fire-affected businesses provided with space and support to resume operations.
• Ongoing engagement for residents and Indigenous partners.
• Risk reduction work continues to strengthen resilience to climate risks identified.
• Phased demobilization of interim housing (some demobilization may extend into long-term recovery).

Phase 4: Long-term recovery and resilience (through full rebuild and beyond)

• Rebuild of homes, businesses and park infrastructure is complete.
• Permanent housing supply, including affordable and workforce housing, is stabilized.
• Long-term social and health supports are embedded in local service delivery.
• Business and tourism activity returns to pre-fire levels and continues to grow.
• Risk reduction measures and climate adaptation are integrated into policies and planning.
• Recovery governance transitions to steady-state operations with continued intergovernmental collaboration.
• Continued collaboration with Indigenous partners on cultural, ecological and community priorities.

Text version

Incident

• Response and re-entry
• Park re-opening

Stabilization

• Resume community services
• Debris removal
• Interim housing
• Business resumption

Transitional recovery

• Rebuilding homes and businesses
• Parks infrastructure recovery
• Ongoing wildfire risk reduction and FireSmart implementation

Long term recovery & resilience

• Full rebuild of homes, businesses, and public infrastructure
• Continued collaboration across governments and partners post-JRCC
• Park infrastructure rebuilt
• Long-term resilience and preparedness

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Recovery scenarios

Recovery from the 2024 Jasper Wildfire requires sustained coordination, funding and flexibility. Recovery is shaped by the resources, partnerships and actions already in motion. Based on experiences from other disasters and the scope of needs and resources available, fulsome community recovery can take up to a decade.

Full recovery is defined as the point at which the community and park have returned not only to their pre-wildfire conditions, but to the level they would have reached had the fire not occurred. Full recovery accounts for expected growth, development and progress over time. It reflects a recovery trajectory that restores housing, infrastructure, services and economic activity, while keeping pace with the community’s original path forward.

We can gain insights from Fort McMurray’s recovery trajectory following the Horse River Wildfire in May 2016. Three years after the wildfire, 37% of structures were rebuilt;^{Footnote 7} 4 years after the fire, 74% of structures were rebuilt;^{Footnote 8} 5 years after the fire, 80% of structures were rebuilt;^{Footnote 9} and 6 years after the fire, 86% of structures were rebuilt.^{Footnote 9}

Table 1 outlines 3 recovery scenarios to help us understand what possible recovery trajectories would look like for Jasper.

 

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Recovery funding

Government of Canada

Multiple federal departments and agencies are supporting recovery, including:

• Parks Canada
• Public Safety Canada
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
• Employment and Social Development Canada
• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

Government of Canada disaster financial assistance is available to provincial and territorial governments.

Province of Alberta

Provincial departments and agencies supporting response and recovery include:

• Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Emergency Management Agency
• Alberta Municipal Affairs
• Alberta Health Services
• Recovery Alberta
• Alberta Education and Childcare
• Alberta Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration
• Travel Alberta
• Public Safety and Emergency Services

The Province of Alberta’s total assistance package to residents, businesses and the Municipality of Jasper to date amounts to $181 million. From that allocation, $102 million in past and planned expenditures have been approved to date.

Footnotes