Six months after a wildfire destroyed 350 homes and businesses in Jasper, Alberta, residents are beginning the long process of rebuilding their lives. While the town came together to evacuate 5,000 residents and 20,000 visitors safely, many are facing anxiety over temporary living situations and the uncertain future.
JASPER , ALTA. — This year, Kim Stark's kids took responsibility for decorating the family Christmas tree.
About 5,000 residents and 20,000 visitors were safely evacuated before the fire breached the western edge of town and destroyed 350 homes and businesses, including 820 housings units. The Insurance Bureau of Canada pegged the damage at $880 million.Locals including Stark are quick to say things could have been worse. But anxiety over temporary living situations and what may be a long and slow rebuild process has many residents and municipal leaders feeling unsettled heading into 2025.
It’s complicated, he added, given there are layers of government with an Alberta town in a national park. "My fear is not finding a place to live, because I have to be out of my hotel by the spring," she said. Charlebois and Leoni both said their anxiety is heightened when they consider the unpredictable nature of the town's tourism economy and how it could complicate the pace of rebuilding.
Wildfire Reconstruction Jasper Alberta Housing
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