Federal regulations could delay Jasper rebuild

In Edmonton, developers can get permits and build a new home in a year or so. But in Jasper — a community regulated by Ottawa — homeowners burned out by fire say they worry it could take years before they can put the shovels in the ground to rebuild their homes.

CityNews heard over and over again victims of the Jasper wildfires wonder if they’ll ever be able to return to the town they love.

“My biggest concern would be Parks Canada’s involvement and their history of not being efficient and expedient,” said one Jasper resident.

Speaking with a handful of Jasper homeowners, they’re scared to reveal their identity — worried about retribution from Parks Canada as they face that government bureaucracy. The residents told me they are concerned red tape and complex government regulations could make rebuilding a very lengthy and daunting task.

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“We don’t have municipal authority, I think they have a number of people who are concerned about doing things right, you know it’s a kind of a mantra if you don’t do anything, you won’t make any mistakes. So as a result it goes back and worth between different departments,” said a Jasper resident.

After the Jasper wildfires destroyed one-third of the town, residents are calling for either changing Jasper property regulations or allowing the municipality to take over to speed up the townsite rebuild.

“We need to get Parks Canada away from it. They have some global guidelines. Just say ok we’ll work with those. It’s a municipal issue, we can actually do a good job by hiring and engaging the people that we believe can get the job done.”

Jasper’s businesses may find themselves stuck in limbo, Citynews was told that in Jasper, an application to change the color of the paint can take months to complete.

“I know that in certain instances, it has taken four months to get a permit for a sign on a business, you know or more,” said a Jasper resident.

“This unacceptable and because they’re not accountable, there’s no one you can go to and say what’s the standard for this because they don’t really follow these standards.”

CityNews reached out to Parks Canada for comment but didn’t hear back in time for broadcast, but they pointed out to a statement by Parks Canada’s CEO saying “We are removing barriers to re-development, and doing whatever is humanly possible to support the recovery of the town and its tourism sector.”

Additionally, in a statement to CityNews, Alberta officials encourage Ottawa “to expedite approvals to ensure families and business can safely return and re-build as soon as possible.”