The Municipality of Jasper says it is actively working with the Canadian Insurance Bureau on a coordinated plan to remove residential construction debris.

Much debris remains in the town of Jasper following the wildfire that destroyed 358 buildings, including 820 residential units.

“The plan will ensure efficient and effective removal of debris in residential areas, with a focus on protecting people and the environment,” the municipality of Jasper said in an update.

“The removal of debris from residential areas shall not take place without the permission and cooperation of the property owners.”

EllisDon, a construction services company, is currently looking for local contractors to participate in the reconstruction efforts, particularly in areas such as demolition, debris removal and other related work.

Further updates

The Re-Entry Support Centre at Commemoration Park will be open through August 29, but the municipality said some facilities will begin limiting their in-person availability starting Friday, August 23.

These services remain available through their websites or the contact information list on the municipality website.

The Jasper Food Bank, whose premises were destroyed by the fire, has reopened in its temporary home at the Jasper Royal Canadian Legion.

The food bank is accessible through the side entrance of the Jasper Legion on Geikie Street and is open to Jasper evacuees on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

While water supplies are being restored in some parts of the city, three drinking water stations have been set up to provide residents with drinking and cooking water.

These stations have been tested by Alberta Health Service and are checked daily, according to the municipality.

Residents are asked to bring their own containers for filling and RV owners are asked not to fill their tanks directly at these stations.

The stations are located at the following locations:

• Bonhomme Street and Malignant Avenue
• At Spruce Avenue and Patricia Street (between the 700th and 800th blocks)
• In the 1000 block of Patricia Street in front of Cabin Creek Condos (walking distance)

The municipality also allows residents to use mobile homes and trailers as temporary accommodation until at least September 15.

With the permission of the homeowner, residents may park in the green zone on the road in front of the house or on the driveway.

Trailers can remain on the road even without a tow bar and motorhomes and caravans can be parked in the same place for more than 72 hours.

Motorhomes are not allowed to park in the red zone. This is to keep the roads open and support the clean-up efforts.

Anyone who does not have access to a parking space in the green zone can contact Jasper Bylaw at 780-852-5518.

Re-entry statistics

Although the exact number of residents who returned to Jasper is unknown, the municipality reports that 970 residents visited the insurance tent in Commemoration Park.

In addition, 227 requests were submitted for Team Rubicon Canada to enter closed properties. ATCO Gas has restored power to 725 customers and 750 electrical items, such as contaminated refrigerators, have been picked up.

According to the Alberta government, approximately 1,535 households, including 3,384 adults and children, participated in a survey to assess housing needs.

The Jasper Recovery Task Force will use this information to develop temporary housing options for displaced residents and workers.

The survey will remain open until Friday (23 August).

To date, over $12.1 million has been donated to the Alberta Wildfires Appeal, with the federal and provincial governments matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross.