Town of Jasper Updates

[wormwood]

Jasper rebuild picking up steam - News

Although it could be a decade before the Jasper townsite recovers from last year’s wildfire, rebuild projects have broken ground on several lots. BILD (Building Industry and Land Development Association) Alberta CEO Scott Fash, whose organization represents the residential construction industry...

www.jasperlocal.com

 

[Airboy]

Connaught Drive will be hoping, A large affordable housing unit is going in.

 

[wormwood]

Rebuilding in Jasper (Nov 11, 2025)

Jasper is still stunning in the ashes

 

[wormwood]

Some thoughts after my kiddos fall break trip to Jasper:

- it is unacceptable that an American company can have a monopoly over the accommodations in our national park
- most were vacant despite the beautiful conditions
- I’ve stayed at a different hotel each time with my family just for a different experience. The accommodations are subpar including Jasper Park Lodge considering the brand
- super emotional to see the community furthest west in Jasper be completely leveled, Mother Nature is wild
- driving down icefields parkway was beautiful but the fire extended for km and km (I recognize this can be good for the forest too)
- I’m thankful the province doesn’t have much power over national parks otherwise I’d be worried about industry and mining
- saw very little wildlife in the three days. Coyotes, Elk and long horn sheep really but very few.
- many portables setup for housing the workers for the rebuild
- restaurants were empty but food was great everywhere we went

 

[archited]

Jasper is rugged and beautiful -- better than Alaska IMHO/

 

[David A]

Some thoughts after my kiddos fall break trip to Jasper:

- it is unacceptable that an American company can have a monopoly over the accommodations in our national park
- most were vacant despite the beautiful conditions
- I’ve stayed at a different hotel each time with my family just for a different experience. The accommodations are subpar including Jasper Park Lodge considering the brand
- super emotional to see the community furthest west in Jasper be completely leveled, Mother Nature is wild
- driving down icefields parkway was beautiful but the fire extended for km and km (I recognize this can be good for the forest too)
- I’m thankful the province doesn’t have much power over national parks otherwise I’d be worried about industry and mining
- saw very little wildlife in the three days. Coyotes, Elk and long horn sheep really but very few.
- many portables setup for housing the workers for the rebuild
- restaurants were empty but food was great everywhere we went

The quality of hotels in Jasper have been an ongoing issue over the years even before the fire. Much of the accommodation was built in the 60/70's and with development restrictions after hasn't changed much since. This can be sort of quaint and I suppose is part of the charm or character of the place. In the past demand outstripped supply. They didn't really have to compete, so tended to be maintained, but not updated much.

I wonder if all the disruption due to the fire and rebuilding will lead to some new accommodation or updating and improving some of the existing places more.

 

[wormwood]

To: The Right Honourable Mark Carney and the Honourable Julie Dabrusin:

Re: Review of Foreign Ownership of Hotels in Jasper National Park

I am writing as a Canadian citizen and visitor to Jasper National Park to express my concern about the increasing foreign ownership and control of hotel accommodations within the park. Recent acquisitions by American-based corporations, including majority stakes in multiple Jasper hotels, have raised questions about long-term stewardship, economic sovereignty, and the preservation of Canadian identity within Canada’s national parks.

Jasper National Park is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is a cornerstone of Canada’s natural heritage. The lodging facilities within the park play a significant role in shaping visitor experience, shaping tourism employment, and maintaining the cultural character of the region. When a major portion of these accommodations is owned or controlled by foreign interests, Canadians lose meaningful influence over pricing, development decisions, and the long-term vision for these iconic public lands.

I respectfully request that the Government of Canada — through Parks Canada and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change — undertake:

1. A full review of current foreign ownership of hotel units within Jasper National Park and other national parks, including the extent of control held by non-Canadian corporations.
2. An examination of whether federal policy should limit or phase out foreign majority ownership of hotel accommodations located on federal land inside national parks.
3. Consideration of a framework whereby Parks Canada or Canadian-based entities maintain primary ownership or control of accommodations within national parks, ensuring decisions reflect Canadian values, public access, affordability, environmental protection, and long-term stewardship(h.
4. Greater transparency and public reporting regarding commercial leases, ownership structures, and foreign investment in national-park facilities.

My goal is not to single out any particular company, cough Pursuit, but to ensure that Canada’s national parks remain under Canadian stewardship and aligned with our national interests. These lands belong to all Canadians, and their management should reflect that.

Thank you for your attention to this issue. I would appreciate a reply outlining whether such a review is being considered or could be initiated. I am happy to provide additional details or expand on the concerns raised above.

note: (with AI assistance) - also sent this to CBC and Mayor Ireland of Jasper.

 

[Airboy]

The quality of hotels in Jasper have been an ongoing issue over the years even before the fire. Much of the accommodation was built in the 60/70's and with development restrictions after hasn't changed much since. This can be sort of quaint and I suppose is part of the charm or character of the place. In the past demand outstripped supply. They didn't really have to compete, so tended to be maintained, but not updated much.

I wonder if all the disruption due to the fire and rebuilding will lead to some new accommodation or updating and improving some of the existing places more.

From my time doing projects in town I wasn't so much Parks Canada restriction but more of the town wanting to limit growth. Now that we will see 2 new hotels built we will see more long term development come. People will want to stay at a new place than the older ones. Forest Park I believe was the last major work before the fire.

 

[wormwood]

From my time doing projects in town I wasn't so much Parks Canada restriction but more of the town wanting to limit growth. Now that we will see 2 new hotels built we will see more long term development come. People will want to stay at a new place than the older ones. Forest Park I believe was the last major work before the fire.

I don't think so. The Municipality of Jasper has no real authority, including Council.

The Municipality of Jasper Strategic Priorities actually supports development:
"Advance toward acquisition of Land Use, Planning and Development authority to create a Municipal Development Plan to encourage densification, infill and staff housing"

 

[ChazYEG]

Some thoughts after my kiddos fall break trip to Jasper:

- it is unacceptable that an American company can have a monopoly over the accommodations in our national park
- most were vacant despite the beautiful conditions
- I’ve stayed at a different hotel each time with my family just for a different experience. The accommodations are subpar including Jasper Park Lodge considering the brand
- super emotional to see the community furthest west in Jasper be completely leveled, Mother Nature is wild
- driving down icefields parkway was beautiful but the fire extended for km and km (I recognize this can be good for the forest too)
- I’m thankful the province doesn’t have much power over national parks otherwise I’d be worried about industry and mining
- saw very little wildlife in the three days. Coyotes, Elk and long horn sheep really but very few.
- many portables setup for housing the workers for the rebuild
- restaurants were empty but food was great everywhere we went

That is very insightful. Jasper was always my refuge whenever I wanted to get out of town and it was heartbreaking to see the state of things after the fire. I haven't been there since about a month after it, but I plan on taking the long way next time I drive to Edmonton so I can stop in Jasper for a day.