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Alberta commits $112 million for interim housing for displaced Jasper residents

Oct 21, 2024 | 10:43 AM

The Alberta government is providing $112 million to build interim housing for displaced Jasper residents.

Work on the sites in Jasper has already begun, and the first residents are expected to begin moving in as early as January 2025.

The homes are being made available to essential service workers and support service workers, and other eligible Jasper residents who lost their homes and are employed in the area.

Jasper mayor Richard Ireland says, ““On behalf of the people of Jasper, I extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Alberta for their critical support in funding interim housing as we work to rebuild Jasper. This housing isn’t just about the buildings, it’s directly linked to our social and economic recovery including the mental well-being of the community as a whole.”

Part of the funding from the province is going towards the construction of modular homes. 250 modular homes will be constructed off-site, in a controlled environment, to allow for all-season construction and accelerated schedules. They are installed using permanent foundations that ensure the safety and comfort of the occupants.

Interim housing units in Jasper will be provided at market rent, and applications and eligibility details will be released in the future. Units in Jasper will be sold at market value when they are no longer required for interim housing for Jasper recovery.

“We know that Jasper residents are eager to get back home and Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring they have the supports they need throughout this rebuilding effort.” said Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services Jason Nixon.

He continued, “When ready, these interim homes will address the immediate housing need in Jasper and provide a short-term housing option for those who are working in the town doing the critical work needed to support this rebuild.”

Residents of Pine Grove Manor, a seniors home that was destroyed in the fire, will be provided with their own temporary housing. Up to 25 units of modular housing will be built for seniors in Hinton on a site that was given to the project by the Town of Hinton.

Work on these sites is expected to begin in January and the first seniors are expected to begin moving in as early as April 2025.

Applications and eligibility details for the housing will be released in the future.