The federal government will provide up to $15.2 million in rent relief for Jasper National Park lessees and licensees impacted by the wildfire.
Federal Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, who is leading the federal government’s effort to rebuild Jasper, announced the rent forgiveness Thursday (Oct. 10) in Jasper.
“This program is going to provide continued support for the Jasper region by reducing rent payments for affected businesses and the Municipality of Jasper, allowing them to put their resources where they’re needed most, which is in the rebuild and recovery efforts,” Boissonnault said.
More details about the rent relief, such as criteria and the method of distribution, will be announced in the coming weeks.
In early August, Parks Canada announced a pause to all rent collection from lessees and licensees in Jasper and began working towards providing more formal rent relief measures.
The rent relief is expected to significantly benefit the Municipality of Jasper and lessees and licensees outside of the townsite. Most leases and licences within the townsite have a nominal annual rent, with no money formally exchanged with Parks Canada.
Parks Canada administers 1419 leases, licences of occupation and other agreements for commercial, residential, community and utility uses within Jasper National Park.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland thanked the federal government for the rent relief program.
“This welcomed initiative will provide needed financial support to our local businesses and residents who have continued to suffer so much,” Ireland said. “In addition, it underscores the importance of collaboration and unity in the face of adversity.”
More areas reopening
Boissonnault also announced the reopening of Maligne Road starting at 8 a.m. Friday (Oct. 11), and some backcountry sites will be available for booking starting Thursday (Oct. 10).
“For those who are looking forward to the winter offering, to get back on the slopes and to actually get to experience Jasper in all of its winter splendour, I have a simple message for you: Jasper is open for business once again,” Boissonnault said.
With the Jasper economy dependent on tourism, the reopening of popular areas in the park is meant to ensure visitors can make plans to enjoy the destination this winter.
Other areas that have reopened since the wildfire required closing the entire park include Miette Hot Springs, the Columbia Icefields, Sunwapta Falls, Pyramid Lake, Athabasca Falls, Old Fort Point and Lake Annette.
Some area closures remain in place for visitor safety, and closures within the townsite continue out of respect for residents during recovery.
Visitors are encouraged to plan their trip in advance and can check an interactive map of what's open. While in Jasper, they can stop by the Jasper National Park Visitor Information Centre for more information.
