Wildfire Reports Indicate $283 Million Worth of Property Value Loss in Jasper Council Meeting

The town of Jasper reports that preliminary figures suggest the wildfires last month resulted in the destruction of $283 million worth of property.

In addition to the 358 structures that were destroyed, mostly businesses and homes, approximately 800 housing units were lost.

Chief administrative officer Bill Given presented these statistics to councillors during a virtual meeting on Tuesday.

Given mentioned that the task of rebuilding becomes even more challenging as the town faces a $2.2 million decrease in annual property tax revenue due to the lost structures.

He stated, “That will be a reduction in our capacity just when we need it the most.”

Given also shared that the town is seeking financial support from the province and other sources to help fill this funding gap.

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Councillors have approved motions to temporarily suspend and delay property tax and municipal utility payments.

All 5,000 residents of Jasper have been evacuated for three weeks since the fire on July 24, but they can start returning to the town beginning on Friday.