The federal government will forgo up to $15.2 million in rental fees charged to the municipality of Jasper, Alta., as well as its residents and business owners over the next few years.
A devastating wildfire destroyed one-third of the Rocky Mountain tourist town in July, including 800 units of housing.
Because Jasper is located within a national park, residents, business owners and the town itself lease their homes and buildings from Parks Canada.
Although the fees included in the lease agreements vary, in the case of residential homes and businesses in town the fee is just $1, Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault said Thursday.
The rent relief will help the town recover from the damage, he said.
“This rent relief will support lessees and licensees whose properties have been affected and are experiencing financial hardship and new costs to rebuild or repair damaged properties,” Boissonnault said in a news release.
Parks Canada has nearly 1,300 lease agreements in town, and 139 leases within the park.
The municipality won’t pay rent on its facilities to Parks Canada until 2027, while a few dozen businesses in the park that pay market rent will receive partial or full rent forgiveness until 2026 depending on fire damage and revenue.
Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland said in a release Thursday that the town is grateful for the government’s decision.
“By continuing to work effectively together, we can ensure that our local businesses and residents have the supports they need to help in our recovery process,” Ireland said.
Boissonnault also announced Thursday that certain backcountry camping spots in the park are now open for booking for the fall and winter season.
He also said that Maligne Road, which provides vehicle access to the famed Maligne Lake, will reopen on Friday.
On Wednesday, Boissonnault was appointed the federal government’s ministerial lead on the Jasper rebuild.
After this summer’s devastating wildfire, The National asks two Jasper residents to break down how important tourists are to its recovery. Plus, former Toronto Raptor DeMar DeRozan explains how he survived childhood trauma to reach the top of the NBA.