Rental housing funded for post-wildfire Jasper

Key Takeaways:

• The federal government is investing $14.3 million to build 40 below-market rental units in Jasper, with Alberta contributing another $12 million for an additional 40 units in a second phase, as housing has emerged as one of the most urgent needs following the 2024 wildfires.
• The Connaught development on Connaught Drive is a low-rise apartment building expected to be finished by late 2026, representing a concrete step in the broader effort to rebuild Jasper’s community infrastructure after the wildfire devastation.
• Jasper also received a $2.3 million bonus payment from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund after exceeding its first-year permitting target, approving 365 units compared to a forecast of 250, with 90% of those falling into the medium-density or missing middle housing category.

The Whole Story:

The federal government announced $14.3 million in funding on Thursday to support construction of 40 below-market rental units in Jasper National Park, marking a significant milestone in the community’s recovery following the devastating 2024 wildfires.

The Connaught Below Market Housing Development, located at 737 Connaught Drive, will consist of a low-rise apartment building expected to be complete in late 2026. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Government of Alberta, which is contributing $12 million through its Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP) to build an additional 40 units in phase two.

The announcement underscores the federal government’s commitment to rebuild critical infrastructure and services in Jasper, with housing identified as one of the community’s most pressing needs following the wildfires.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Thanks to this partnership, we are fast-tracking the construction of accessible housing for those who need them most. Projects like the Jasper Connaught development prove that when we work together across all levels of government, we can get shovels in the ground faster and build the high-quality, energy-efficient housing that helps communities thrive,” the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, said in a statement.

The Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Ministerial Lead for Jasper, said the recovery effort requires coordination across all orders of government. “As the Government of Canada’s Ministerial Lead for Jasper, I remain focused on delivering on our commitment to recovery. In partnership with the Province of Alberta and the Municipality of Jasper, we will continue working to build Jasper back better,” she said.

The announcement also highlighted Jasper’s progress under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. The municipality exceeded its first-year target, permitting 365 units against a forecast of 250, with 90 per cent classified as medium-density or “missing middle” housing. As a result, Jasper received a second payment of $2.3 million from the federal government.

The Connaught project aligns with the federal Build Canada Homes initiative, which aims to accelerate homebuilding and support development of affordable, transitional, supportive and community housing through collaboration with provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous communities.

The announcement was made by Eleanor Olszewski on behalf of Robertson, alongside the Honourable Martin Long, Alberta’s Minister of Infrastructure and MLA for West Yellowhead; Richard Ireland, Mayor of the Municipality of Jasper; and Andrew Campbell, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice-President of Transformation for Parks Canada.