Premier Proposes Bus Tours for Jasper Evacuees and Temporary Housing Support During Rebuilding Period

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith suggests organizing bus tours for evacuated residents of Jasper to witness the wildfire damage in their town firsthand and prepare for their eventual return home.

During her provincewide call-in radio show, Smith also mentioned the need for temporary housing arrangements for residents to stay in while they rebuild their homes.

According to Parks Canada, about 30% of Jasper’s structures were damaged by the wildfire, with 358 out of 1,113 structures destroyed.

Smith, along with Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland and other officials, visited the evacuated town on Friday, passing by the remains of Ireland’s childhood home.

Over 20,000 people in and around Jasper were evacuated due to fast-moving wildfires late Monday night.

Smith referenced the use of temporary housing during the reconstruction of High River after the 2013 floods.

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Smith informed her radio audience about plans to establish temporary housing for residents and expects it to be around 28 days before they can return to Jasper.

She emphasized the importance of assessing critical infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and water treatment facilities to ensure they are safe.

Reconstruction efforts in Jasper National Park are in progress with federal government support, aiming for a better community than before.

Fire crews are making progress on addressing hot spots in smouldering buildings under cool and wet conditions.

Updates on the wildfire situation in Jasper are expected from Alberta Wildfire and the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.