Bringing amendments to the Canada National Parks Act is an important step in giving the Municipality of Jasper enhanced power to accelerate the rebuilding process.

September 18, 2024                         Ottawa, Ontario                          Parks Canada

 

Residents and local business owners of Jasper continue to face the devasting impacts following the wildfire that went through the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park in July 2024. With rising average temperatures creating drier conditions and more intense wildfires, firefighter crews did a heroic job in saving 70% of the infrastructure in the townsite.  

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, introduced new legislation, a Bill entitled “An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act”, during debate at first reading in the House of Commons. The Bill will enable the transfer of land use planning and development authorities from Parks Canada to the Municipality of Jasper, which will help rebuild the 30% of the town that was destroyed by fire. 

This legislation is an important step in delivering on the Government of Canada’s commitment to support the community and local businesses in the National Park as they rebuild over the coming years. By transferring these planning and development authorities to the municipality, it gives the town of Jasper, businesses and residents greater control to manage the rebuilding process and shape the future of Jasper, in partnership with Parks Canada and when the community is ready to exercise these powers. It creates a simplified process for residents and developers for residents to rebuild, while removing any potential barriers.

Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper have been working towards the transfer of land use planning and development authorities to the municipality since 2022, however, following the devastating wildfire in July, the Government has made it a legislative priority for the first week of the Parliamentary session.

Authorities will be officially transferred once the Municipality of Jasper develops a Community Plan, that complies with Alberta’s Municipal Government Act. Once the bill receives Royal assent, the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada will develop a new local government agreement for the Municipality of Jasper that addresses land use planning and will work together to ensure an orderly transition for this important function.

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