Jasper Wildfire 2024

"Resilience is not about bouncing back to the way things were; it's about forging a new path forward, stronger and more united, in the wake of adversity."

Jasper Wildfire Recovery: Supporting Businesses and Our Community

Community Futures West Yellowhead is dedicated to helping Jasper recover from the 2024 Jasper Complex Wildfire while laying the groundwork for a resilient and sustainable future. During the Immediate Recovery Stage (September 15, 2024 – March 31, 2025), we’re focused on providing critical support to local businesses and addressing the wildfire’s economic impact, with a vision that extends beyond recovery.

Recovery Timeline

Evacuation Phase: July 22 – August 16, 2024
Reentry Phase: August 16 – September 15, 2024
Immediate Recovery: September 15, 2024 – March 31, 2025 (current stage)
Short-Term Recovery: April 1, 2025 – November 30, 2026
Long-Term Recovery: December 2026 onward

Immediate Recovery Efforts

Jasper Business Recovery Program

We’re proud to partner with PrairiesCan to offer the Jasper Business Recovery Program, providing non-repayable funding of up to $10,000 for small and medium-sized businesses affected by the wildfire. This funding helps cover essential costs, including rent, wages, and reopening expenses, enabling businesses to stabilize and rebuild. Find out more about the program here: https://westyellowhead.albertacf.com/services/business-loans/jasper-business-recovery-program

Deadline to Apply: February 28, 2025

Apply to the Jasper Business Recovery Program Here

Work Sharing Program

Work-Sharing Special Measures to support businesses affected by the 2024 Jasper, Alberta wildfires are effective December 1, 2024 to August 3, 2025. The special measures provide targeted support for businesses impacted to recover and avoid layoffs for a specific period of time. In effect, eligible employees receive employment insurance (EI) benefits, while continuing to stay attached to the employer.
Work Sharing Program - Overview - Canada.ca

2024 Jasper Wildfire Complex Recovery Loan

A tailored financial solution designed to support existing businesses in the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park as they navigate and recover from the recent wildfire. This program offers flexible loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 with generous terms including an initial 6-month interest-free and payment-free period, followed by a fixed low-interest rate of 4%. Our goal is to provide swift and accessible funding to help businesses stabilize and thrive, with simplified approval processes and support mechanisms in place. Whether you need to replenish inventory, repair damages, or invest in operational enhancements, our 2024 Jasper Wildfire Complex Recovery Loan is here to assist you every step of the way towards a robust and resilient future.

Deadline to Apply: August 19, 2025

Apply to the Jasper Wildfire Complex Recovery Loan Here

Business Support Center

For additional support, visit the Jasper Business Support Centre located at the Chamber of Commerce. Our team is here to connect you with available resources, provide coaching, and guide you through recovery programs.

Hinton - Community Futures West Yellowhead
221 Pembina Ave

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, closed for lunch from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm, weekends and statutory holidays

Phone: (780) 865-1224

Email: cfwy@albertacf.com

Next Phase: Short-Term Recovery (Starting April 1, 2025)

As we move into the Short-Term Recovery phase, our focus will expand to include initiatives for business development, workforce stabilization, and broader economic recovery efforts. Stay tuned for updates and resources to support this phase.

More Information

For further information on the recovery process, please visit the Municipality of Jasper’s Wildfire Recovery page: https://jasper-alberta.ca/p/jasperwildfire

Financial Supports

2024 Jasper Wildfire Complex Recovery Loan from Community Futures West Yellowhead (link)

Call 1-800-263-1716 for more information

Canadian Red Cross

2024 Alberta Wildfires: Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program (link)

2024 Alberta Wildfires: Personalized Recovery Support for Individuals (link)

Business & Economic Recovery Partners

Economic Developers of Alberta (EDA) is the not for profit association that supports economic development activities in Alberta by providing resources for practitioners in their critical roles to help create thriving communities. https://edaalberta.ca

Red Cross - Red Cross is working in both Jasper and Hinton to support Jasper residents https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/alberta-wildfires-2024

Government of Canada - Prairies Economic Development Canada

Government of Alberta - Jobs, Economy and Trade

Cando (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) is a federally registered, non-profit society that is Indigenous controlled, community based, and membership driven. Cando is directed by a national regionally represented volunteer board of elected EDOs representing every region of Canada. https://www.edo.ca/edo-tools/community-disaster-preparation