The Alberta government announced it is committing $112 million to build 250 modular homes for displaced Jasper residents as the community recovers from the summer’s wildfire.

The Oct. 21 announcement from Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, as well as Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA, says work on the sites in Jasper has already begun, and the first residents are expected to begin moving in as early as January 2025.

The homes will be constructed off-site, in a controlled environment, to allow for all-season construction and accelerated schedules, says Nixon.

They will be installed using permanent foundations that ensure the safety and comfort of the occupants, he adds.

The homes will be available for essential service workers and support service workers, and other eligible Jasper residents who lost their homes and are employed in the area.

“We know that Jasper residents are eager to get back home and Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring they have the supports they need throughout this rebuilding effort,” says Nixon. “When ready, these interim homes will address the immediate housing need in Jasper and provide a short-term housing option for those who are working in the town doing the critical work needed to support this rebuild.”

Interim housing units in Jasper will be provided at market rent, and applications and eligibility details will be released in the future. Units in Jasper will be sold at market value when they are no longer required for interim housing for Jasper recovery.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland says the need for housing was already an issue before the fire, but these units will help Jasper residents recover from the disaster.

Ireland adds that with the recent passing of federal Bill C-76, the town of Jasper will have more authority over land use planning, it will be reviewing its architectural motif guidelines to assure the homes meet the aesthetic of the community.

Nixon says ‘modular homes’ is something of a misnomer, as it is working with high-end manufacturers, and the homes will be a quality product for years to come.

Nixon was questioned by reporters about federal funding for the homes as Jasper sits in a National Park.

“My main goal is to try to provide some stability for Albertans so they can rebuild their town,” says Nixon. “But I do know that those conversations will continue with the federal government about their responsibility. It is their national park, it is certainly our viewpoint that they take 100 per cent of the cost. Whether that happens or not, we’ll have to wait and see.”

Funds will also be directed to interim housing for residents of Pine Grove Manor in nearby Hinton.

Pine Grove Manor was destroyed by the fire, and officials say this interim housing will keep residents close to their community while the seniors home is rebuilt.

Up to 25 units of modular housing will be built for seniors in Hinton on a site that was given to the project by the Town of Hinton. The units in Hinton will later be used as affordable housing for the community.

Work on these sites is expected to begin in January and the first seniors are expected to begin moving in as early as spring 2025.

–with files from The Canadian Press