Nearly two years after wildfire tore through Jasper National Park and the town of Jasper, the federal government is shifting the community’s recovery into its next phase with a new $520 million funding commitment aimed at restoring critical infrastructure, reducing future wildfire risk and helping displaced residents remain housed while reconstruction continues.
The announcement, made June 30 by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, builds on more than $385 million already invested in wildfire response and recovery since the devastating 2024 fire.
That earlier funding has supported emergency response and reconstruction efforts across the community, including providing interim housing for more than 415 families, clearing debris from every affected property and advancing rebuilding work now underway at 118 sites.
The latest investment targets some of the largest remaining recovery projects. Approximately 20 per cent of Jasper National Park’s assets were damaged or destroyed by the wildfire, including campgrounds, staff housing, utilities, highways, roads and other essential infrastructure. The new funding will help restore those facilities, continue interim housing for displaced residents through March 2028, complete fire-risk reduction work around the townsite and park perimeter, and accelerate reconstruction efforts designed to rebuild the community stronger and more resilient.
The 2024 wildfire burned roughly 32,700 hectares and destroyed about 30 per cent of the structures in the town of Jasper while also heavily damaging infrastructure throughout the national park. Since then, recovery has been coordinated through partnerships involving the federal government, the Government of Alberta, the Municipality of Jasper and local stakeholders.
Highlighting the significance of the new funding, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said:
“Since the devastating wildfire of 2024, the federal government has been there to support residents, restore essential services, and rebuild infrastructure in partnership with the people of Jasper. Today’s announcement builds on existing measures, ensuring that damaged park infrastructure is restored so that Albertans, Canadians and visitors from around the world can once again fully enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site.”
Environment, Climate Change and Nature Minister Julie Aviva Dabrusin emphasized both restoration and long-term resilience:
“Jasper holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians. As Minister responsible for our national parks, I have seen the resilience of this community and the determination to bring Jasper back. This funding will restore the campgrounds, trails, and facilities that connect people to one of the most extraordinary places in the world, while we rebuild with the climate realities of the future in mind.”
Emergency Management and Community Resilience Minister Eleanor Olszewski, who also serves as the federal ministerial lead for Jasper, said the investment reflects both the scale of the recovery effort and the community’s determination:
“Jasper has shown us the devastation wildfires can bring, but also what it means to be resilient in the aftermath. As the Minister responsible for Jasper’s recovery, I’ve seen firsthand this community’s commitment to build back stronger. With today’s investment, our new government is accelerating recovery, restoring critical infrastructure, reducing future risk, and supporting families as they rebuild their homes and their lives. Together, we’re ensuring Jasper emerges stronger, safer, and better prepared for the future.”
