‘I’m homeless’: Jasper residents rally for housing amid breakdown in government negotiations

The Jasper wildfire last year left many Albertans displaced and struggling to find temporary housing. Sabrina Charlebois, who lost her home in the blaze, has been living in a hotel in town since November. She expressed her frustration with the United Conservative Party government for failing to deliver on their promise to set up interim housing for those affected by the wildfire.

Charlebois organized a protest on the six-month anniversary of the fire, with more than 200 people marching through town to demand action from the government. Social Services Minister Jason Nixon had initially announced a plan to spend $112 million on 250 modular housing units for displaced residents. However, the funding was later revoked until the town agreed to build permanent, detached single-family homes and expand Jasper’s boundary into the national park.

Municipal officials argued that the provincial plan was not feasible as it would only allow for 60 homes to be built, leaving hundreds of families without temporary housing. Charlebois emphasized the need for affordable housing for families and service industry workers in the community.

The situation has become increasingly dire for Charlebois and others in similar circumstances, as insurance coverage for temporary housing is running out. NDP housing critic Janis Irwin criticized the government’s handling of the situation, pointing out that past governments had swiftly provided mobile homes to communities affected by wildfires.

The municipality and Parks Canada are now exploring alternative housing options, such as work camp-style housing and duplexes. In a statement, Nixon and Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver blamed the federal government for the delay in providing land for housing construction. They expressed readiness to build homes for displaced residents if the federal government made land available.

The ongoing dispute between the provincial and federal governments has left many Jasper residents in limbo, with no clear timeline for when they can expect to have stable housing. The community continues to push for a resolution to ensure that those affected by the wildfire can rebuild their lives and homes.