Reflecting on one year since the Jasper wildfire

The Government of Canada stands with Jasperites as work continues to rebuild the beautiful mountain community of Jasper and Jasper National Park

JASPER, AB, July 22, 2025 /CNW/ - One year ago, emergency responders, community members, visitors, friends, and neighbours all banded together to safely evacuate more than 20,000 people from Jasper and Jasper National Park. Those heroic efforts were the beginning of a long road for the community. Within days, multiple wildfires would converge to take the life of a brave firefighter, destroy over 30 per cent of the structures in Jasper, uproot the lives of residents and workers, and leave a lasting impact on the landscape.

Reflecting on one year since the Jasper wildfire (CNW Group/Prairies Economic Development Canada)

Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, joined Jasperites to reflect, to grieve, and to remember. At the commemorative event, Minister Olszewski paid tribute to the tremendous courage, strength, and resiliency that community members have shown over the past year, while also acknowledging the ongoing commitment to collaboration by countless people and organizations to assist Jasper to build back stronger.

Quotes

"As we mark one year since wildfires devastated the town of Jasper, I was pleased to join members of the community in this solemn commemoration. Today, all Canadians stand with Jasper as we commemorate the courage and resilience of this proud community and continue our collective work in rebuilding Jasper as the vibrant, caring, and welcoming community for which it is known throughout the world."
–The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada

"One year after the wildfires, we want to acknowledge the resilience and courage of Jasperites. In the face of profound loss, this community has united with remarkable determination and solidarity we honour today. Our new government remains committed to supporting Jasper and its residents — working hand in hand with the community and all levels of government to provide meaningful support, restore hope, and help Jasper rebuild the future they deserve."
–The Honourable Stephen Guilbeault, Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada has invested more than $383 million to support firefighting, recovery, and rebuilding efforts in Jasper and Jasper National Park.
• With the support of federal funds and in collaboration with other orders of government and partners:
• 354 units of interim housing have been made available accommodating over 260 households and 510 individuals.
• Federal funding was recently announced to help cover uninsured costs associated with soil testing and remediation that is required before Jasper residents can rebuild homes on their property.
• A Pop-up Village was launched in the commercial core of Jasper, enabling seven local businesses to continue operations in the community.
• The Jasper Business Recovery program was delivered through Community Futures West Yellowhead in partnership with PrairiesCan to provide non-repayable funding to enable small and medium-sized businesses to stabilize and rebuild.

Associated links

• Parks Canada: Jasper Recovery
• Municipality of Jasper: Wildfire Recovery Information
• What's open in Jasper National Park
• What's open in the Municipality of Jasper
• Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

Related announcements

• News Release (July 16, 2025): Determined to work together for Jasper: Parks Canada and partners bolster safe and swift return home
• News Release (March 20, 2025): Prime Minister Carney announces $187 million to help Jasper rebuild
• News Release (March 6, 2025): Government of Canada investments bolster business, housing and tourism recovery in Jasper
• News Release (February 6, 2025): Government of Canada announces over $160 million for Jasper Housing, Recovery and Wildfire Response
• News Release (January 29, 2025): Government of Canada announces funding support to Albertans impacted by the 2024 wildfires
• News Release (November 14, 2024): Rebuilding after the fire: Minister Boissonnault announces new recovery program for Jasper small businesses
• News Release (October 18, 2024): Government of Canada announces $3 million in funding to support tourism recovery in Jasper and the region
• News Release (October 10, 2024): Rebuilding after the fire: Government of Canada announces rent relief for Jasper National Park lessees and licensees

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SOURCE Prairies Economic Development Canada

Contacts: Mathis Denis, Director of Communications, Office of the Hon. Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, 343-573-1846, [email protected]; Rohit Sandhu, Communications Manager, Prairies Economic Development Canada, [email protected]