$112M in provincial funding for Jasper housing rebuild ‘can’t be spent’ amid impasse: minister

The dispute over the post-wildfire rebuild in Jasper, Alberta, has reached a critical point as the Alberta government threatens to withdraw $112 million earmarked for 250 new permanent homes. The province is at odds with Parks Canada and the local government over the type of housing that should be built to address the town’s housing shortage.

Alberta’s Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, Jason Nixon, made it clear that the funding will not be used if the proposed multi-unit buildings are pursued instead of detached, single-family homes. With over 600 families in Jasper still without homes, the need for immediate action is pressing.

Jasper officials argue that under the provincial plan, only 60 of the promised 250 homes could be built due to limited space. The municipality is advocating for short-term housing solutions while working towards developing permanent high-density units, a process that could take up to 24 months.

The disagreement has put the community in a state of uncertainty, with concerns over servicing costs for interim housing units. The director of the Jasper Recovery Coordination Centre, Michael Fark, highlighted the financial strain on the municipality and the need for collaboration with provincial and federal partners to find solutions.

While the fate of the funding remains unclear, Nixon emphasized the province’s commitment to Jasper’s recovery efforts. He mentioned ongoing support for replacing seniors facilities lost in the fire and setting up temporary facilities in nearby Hinton for seniors.

One of the challenges facing Jasper is the strict town boundaries within Jasper National Park, which limit the available space for new housing construction. Any alterations to these boundaries would require parliamentary approval, further complicating the situation in a town with a zero per cent vacancy rate.

Parks Canada has expressed its dedication to working with all levels of government to address interim housing needs in Jasper National Park. The organization is focused on providing land for housing options and removing barriers to ensure residents have somewhere to live during the recovery process.

As the debate continues, it is clear that a collaborative solution is needed to address Jasper’s housing crisis and support the community’s long-term recovery. The fate of the $112 million funding hangs in the balance, highlighting the urgency of finding a resolution that meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.