Parks Canada securing 100 duplexes for temporary housing in Jasper

The Insurance Bureau of Canada says losses in the 2024 Jasper wildfire sit at $1.2 billion.

Jasperites waiting on temporary housing can now see what those homes will look like, and how much renting one will cost.

“Oilfield style” duplex trailer photos that will be installed in the town were posted on Parks Canada’s website on Wednesday

There will be two types of interim housing, duplex trailers and single dorm style. The units are being provided by various companies and might not look exactly like the images provided.

The duplex trailers are suitable for families whereas single dorm style is better suited for individuals and couples.

Rent is $1,000 for one side and for two sides, $1,500. Electricity, gas and internet are all included in the rental price. Rent is $500 a month for a single dorm style.

The duplexes will be placed in Marmot Meadows, adjacent to Whistlers Campground.

Interim housing has become a federal focus in recent weeks after the province said it reached an impasse with the town on 250 units it pledged to build.

Jasper and Parks Canada made roughly four CFL football fields worth of land available but couldn’t find common ground with the province.

Edmonton MP Randy Boissoneault was questioned on the status of housing in Jasper during a press conference on Wednesday. He was the federal liaison for Jasper recovery, before he resigned from cabinet in November.

“I do think, frankly, there’s a lot of work to do still with the Government of Alberta and how they want to approach housing,” Boissoneault said.

“There is only so much land that’s available for housing in Jasper. We have to be prepared to not just get Japer to (2026 and 2027 and 2035 and beyond). That means being thoughtful about the kind of buildings we put in place in Jasper.”

Hundreds of Jasperites are still living in hotel rooms and other short-term rentals in town as they wait for interim housing to move into while Jasper is rebuilt.

“If we starve Jasper of housing right now, then it’s not going to be able to grow, it’s not going to be able to have enough people just to even rebuild and it will hamstring the municipality and the park for generations to come,” Boissoneault added.

Parks Canada anticipates occupancy for the trailers will be on Feb. 26.

In order to be considered to live in one of them, Jaspirites must complete a housing application form.