(Jasper) The City of Jasper estimates that last month’s wildfires destroyed $283 million worth of property, according to preliminary figures.
The city also reports that while 358 structures were destroyed, mostly businesses and homes, the total number of homes lost is about 800.
Those figures were presented to councilors by CEO Bill Given during a virtual meeting on Tuesday.
Mr. Given said those numbers will become even more daunting as reconstruction progresses, as the lost structures equate to a loss of $2.2 million in annual property tax revenue.
“This will represent a reduction in our financial capacity at a time when we need it most,” said Given, who added that the city will seek funding from the province and other jurisdictions to try to cover the deficit.
City councilors, meanwhile, approved motions to suspend and defer property tax and municipal utility payments.
Jasper’s 5,000 residents have been evacuated from the town for three weeks since the July 24 fire, but they will be able to return home starting Friday.
Preparing schools for the start of the school year
The public school division that serves Jasper, Alta., is scrambling to clean up schools damaged by wildfires that ravaged the town last month.
The provincial government has said students will be sent to schools far from the city if the buildings are not ready by September.
Parents have responded by arguing that children need to reacquaint themselves with the city after the mental trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and past wildfires.
Greater Yellowhead Public School Division Superintendent Carolyn Lewis said the division will only send students to schools outside of town if absolutely necessary.
She added that crews were already working on cleaning everything from walls and windows to air ducts and fire alarms.