Jasper says housing plan promised by Alberta government after wildfire falls short
Global News
The province has promised $112 million to build 250 units but has tied the money to permanent single-family homes — which the town says would only result in 60 homes being built.
As more than 600 families find themselves without homes in fire-ravaged Jasper, the Rocky Mountain tourist town and the Alberta government are locked in a standoff over what to build for interim housing.
The province has promised $112 million to build 250 housing units for the town, which lost a third of all buildings in a devastating wildfire last summer.
The province, however, has tied that money to building permanent single-family homes, which would need to follow rules for parking and setbacks.
The town says those rules mean such a plan would only allow 60 homes to get built if all allotted space for interim housing was used. The town would like to see the permanent-housing requirement abandoned.
Michael Fark, Jasper’s director of recovery, says the numbers are critical given more than 600 families have applied for the housing.
“The realities on the ground — including limited land availability — mean that this (provincial government) approach would not be nearly enough to meet the community’s urgent housing needs and would significantly impact the ability to meet long-term housing challenges,” Fark said in a weekend statement on the municipality’s website.
Town councillors are set to receive an update on the rebuilding process during a meeting Tuesday, and Mayor Richard Ireland is scheduled to address the media afterward.
Ireland was not immediately available for comment, but in a statement over the weekend he called on the province to continue working with the town and Parks Canada to meet the needs of residents.
An injured suspect was taken into custody after the violence on Interstate 91 in Coventry, about 32 kilometres from the Canadian border, the FBI said in a statement.
Canada’s population will grow over the years regardless of the federal government’s recent decision to slash immigration rates, a new report shows.
On Friday, Mayor Malcolm Brodie refused to answer questions about his total compensation package of at least $362,000 in 2023. He earns $198,000 as mayor.
Blue Monday is often referred to as the saddest day of the year. CMHA Waterloo Wellington says there are a variety of activities that boost mental wellness during the winter.
The league suspended Purifoy on Friday.
After years of renting two propane tanks for $99 plus tax, Joe Eagles received a $600 increase from Superior Propane. The company says the increased fee is for minimal propane use.
In June 2022, the city announced it would be widening Robie Street to add bus lanes — a project that requires space. That will also mean the end to a woman's home of 26 years.
The Toronto International Film Festival says Rogers Communications has signed a three-year deal to return as its official “presenting partner” through 2027.
A boil water advisory has been issued for parts of the Halifax region after a power failure at a water treatment facility.
The TTC unveiled its capital plan for 2025 on Monday, complete with details of how often the spine of the city's transit network would be closed for days at a time.
A passenger on a recent rough-landing flight to Halifax says not only was the incident frightening, but the aftermath was poorly managed as people were left out in the cold.
About a half an hour after the hit and run, witnesses told Global News the suspect driver and vehicle were allegedly driving dangerously outside of a Rutland barbershop.
The warming tent can accommodate up to 50 people and is a level two in the city's cold weather response strategy.
The province has promised $112 million to build 250 units but has tied the money to permanent single-family homes — which the town says would only result in 60 homes being built.
Donald Trump delivered remarks after being sworn-in as the 47th president of the United States, giving insight into what he has planned for his second term.
Many parts of the country are currently experiencing a series of extreme cold weather alerts, with Environment Canada issuing warnings across several provinces.
Seafood industry representatives are urging harvesters and exporters to diversify their markets, as United States President Donald Trump takes office for a second term.
A seminar taking place on Monday for members of the Guelph community aims to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking and how to be proactive.