A devastated residential neighbourhood in Jasper, Alta., on Friday July 26, 2024. The Government of Alberta has announced funding to support recovery efforts. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By David Opinko

Alberta providing up to $149 million for Jasper recovery efforts

Sep 19, 2024 | 9:53 AM

The Government of Alberta has announced support as the Jasper townsite rebuilds from a major wildfire.

The province is committing up to $149 million through the Disaster Recovery Program, which provides financial assistance for uninsurable losses or damages resulting from a disaster.

Eligible expenses can include volunteer firefighter wages, local authority firefighter and municipal staff overtime costs, mutual aid costs for reception centre accommodation, food and transportation, structural protection costs and infrastructure damaged as a result of the wildfire response.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland says he is “incredibly grateful” for the support.

“This critical funding is one piece in helping Jasper recover and rebuild and we know we can count on our provincial partners for continued support in this area. Our community has shown incredible strength and resilience, and with this support, we can help ensure a bright future for Jasper and its residents,” says Ireland.

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The wildfire started northeast of the Town of Jasper on Monday, July 22, 2024. It has since burned over 32,000 hectares of land and destroyed or greatly damaged hundreds of structures.

Approximately 25,000 people, including residents and guests, were forced to flee the community.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates the total insured damages at $880 million, making it the second-most expensive natural disaster in Alberta history behind the 2016 fires in Fort McMurray.

by David Opinko