The people of Jasper are making progress on getting back to normal after being allowed back to their town, cleaning their homes, re-uniting with neighbours and seeking insurance information. A Canadian flag hangs over the highway on on the first day residents are able to visit their properties in Jasper, Alberta on Friday August 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken
JASPER, ALTA. – The roads heading into Jasper, Alta., are open, but officials say tourists won’t be welcome in the Rocky Mountain town for the foreseeable future.
The town’s 5,000 residents were allowed to return home starting Friday following last month’s wildfire evacuation.
Municipal officials say at least 500 residents returned over the weekend, but it’s not clear how many have chosen to stay permanently.
Although the roads into town are open, the municipality’s incident commander is asking visitors to not come in.
Christine Nadon says there will be a significant police presence in town and officers on patrol will ask visitors to leave.
Nadon says many businesses that cater to out-of-town visitors are assessing damages and figuring out staffing plans before they can reopen.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 19, 2024.
