Residents of fire-ravaged Jasper enter new year with hope, anxiety

This year, Kim Stark’s children took on the responsibility of decorating the family Christmas tree, creating a unique and meaningful display. The ornaments adorning the tree included toy cars, puzzle pieces, string, and a pair of binoculars – items that her three young daughters had on hand after the family lost their home in a devastating wildfire in Jasper, Alberta during the summer.

Stark, a beloved member of the Jasper community, has been a firefighter for 10 years and owns a coffee shop and bakery in town. Currently, her family, along with their three furry pets and a fish, are residing in a condo as they navigate the process of rebuilding their home. Despite the challenges they face, Stark remains positive and grateful for the support of her children.

“We have the most wonderful tree on the planet,” Stark shared. “It’s a part of our story and who we are. If my kids are happy, then I am happy.”

The wildfire that struck Jasper on July 24, 2024, destroyed one-third of the townsite’s structures, including 350 homes and businesses. The total damage was estimated at $880 million by the Insurance Bureau of Canada. Six months later, the cleanup and rebuilding efforts are still ongoing, with debris being cleared lot by lot.

While many residents, including Stark, acknowledge that the situation could have been worse, there is still a sense of anxiety and uncertainty about the future. The Alberta government’s $112-million modular housing project aims to provide 250 pre-built rental units for those displaced by the fire. Social Services Minister Jason Nixon has assured that the first homes will be ready by early 2025, with the majority being multi-bedroom suites to accommodate families.

Sabrina Charlebois, a lifelong resident of Jasper, lost her childhood home and workplace in the fire. She expressed gratitude for the housing project but emphasized the urgency of the situation, as many residents are still without permanent housing. David Leoni, a dentist and former Olympic biathlete, also lost his home and is concerned about the impact on his clinic and staff.

The rebuilding process in Jasper is further complicated by the town’s reliance on tourism, which plays a crucial role in the local economy. The need for housing for residents and workers is essential for the town to recover and thrive once again. Mayor Richard Ireland, who also lost his home in the fire, emphasized the importance of finding a way forward and ensuring that the community is rebuilt resiliently.

As Stark and her daughters watch the clearing of their former home, she remains hopeful for the future. “I’m looking forward to having a fresh start,” she said. “There is potential and hope in that empty space where our house once stood.”