Debris-clearing complete in Jasper as wildfire recovery reaches key milestone

Recovery efforts in the Municipality of Jasper have reached a major turning point following the completion of a large-scale, insurer-coordinated debris-removal program.

The initiative, launched in response to the July 2024 wildfires, has cleared the way for residents and business owners to begin rebuilding.

With most affected properties now cleared, environmental testing is underway, and reconstruction permits are being sought from Parks Canada.

“Alberta’s insurers are committed to supporting the rebuild of Jasper as quickly and efficiently as possible following last year’s devastating wildfires,” said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific and Western, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). “Residents have shown tremendous resilience, and insurers will be there every step of the way to support recovery efforts. Insurers are proud to have completed the debris-removal and site preparation program, despite challenging logistics and unexpected costs.”

The coordinated cleanup, led by EllisDon, ensured compliance with Parks Canada’s unique environmental standards for Jasper National Park.

Roughly 100 development permits have already been issued by Parks Canada, enabling the rebuilding process to begin once soil testing is complete.

“While the debris removal process took longer and was more complex than initially anticipated, it was important for insurers to respect the guidelines set out by Parks Canada,” added Sutherland. “It is our hope now that local officials and Parks Canada can work together expeditiously to issue development and building permits to get shovels in the ground and get people into their new homes as quickly as possible. Many home insurance policies have limits on the coverage provided for additional living and alternate accommodation expenses, so the sooner residents can get back home, the better it is for the families that have been impacted.”

The Insurance Bureau of Canada continues to collaborate with local officials through the Jasper Recovery Coordination Centre.

Last summer’s wildfires were part of Canada’s most expensive season for insured weather damage, with $7.7 billion in claims.

IBC is urging all levels of government to invest in resilience measures, including FireSmart programs, improved flood defences, and homeowner education.