Former Slave Lake mayor says sense of community key as Jasper rebuilds

The former mayor of Slave Lake, ravaged by wildfire more than a decade ago, says community ties will be key as Jasper recovers from the blaze that swept through last month. 

The former mayor of a northern Alberta town ravaged by wildfire more than a decade ago says community ties will be key as Jasper, Alta., recovers from the blaze that swept through last month.

Wildfires destroyed 358 homes and businesses in the Rocky Mountain tourist hot spot three weeks ago, totalling an estimated $283 million in lost property value.

In 2011, the toll on Slave Lake, Alta., about 250 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, was of a similar scale. A recklessly or deliberately set wildfire wiped out more than 500 homes and businesses, as well as the town hall, library and two churches.

“It’s going to be a long haul,” said Dr. Karina Pillay, who was Slave Lake’s mayor from 2004 until 2013 and now works as a family doctor in Calgary.

The fire started 15 kilometres away from Slave Lake, but severe wind pushed the flames into the town while residents were still evacuating.

Pillay said the aftermath of the Slave Lake fire was a “roller-coaster of emotions,” and she expects the same for Jasper.

“I know that Jasper has a strong sense of community and I would say for them to lean into that and to bring community together as much as they can,” she said.

“Physical dwellings and structures can be rebuilt, but it’s the safety of everyone, it’s the camaraderie, it’s the resiliency, it’s the indomitable spirit that makes you come together and be a stronger community because of it.”