The 2024 wildfires in Jasper National Park were the largest to impact the Park in more than a century, destroying nearly one third of the town and severely affecting the local tourism-based economy.
Parks Canada is the lead department on the federal response.
PrairiesCan will continue to be part of the federal response efforts with a focus on supporting impacted businesses and the tourism sector.
In addition to temporary suspension of loan repayments for existing Community Futures clients in Jasper, PrairiesCan has approved over $6 million in support to date:
$3.45 million to Community Futures West Yellowhead to assist over 300 affected businesses with non-repayable contributions, supporting their return to business in time for the peak 2025 tourism season.
$750,000 to Tourism Jasper to support initiatives to attract visitors and create new activities during all four seasons to spring 2026.
$1.8 million to the Municipality of Jasper to deliver a Commerce Continuity Program that will provide temporary locations for displaced retail businesses and provide essential secured space for contractors and materials during the rebuilding phase.
The community is seeking continued federal leadership in supporting recovery efforts – previously, a federal Minister was identified to lead the government’s response. Continuing this approach would be well-received.
Adequate housing is a critical issue; top needs identified by Jasper businesses include a need for operational grants, tourism marketing support, and staff accommodation.
