Resiliency key in Jasper recovery, says mayor who saw Slave Lake burn and rebuild

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."

Pillay advises Jasper's elected officials and administrators to bring in external support staff and mental health resources — an essential part of the day-to-day recovery in the aftermath of the Slave Lake fire.

For example, Pillay said she had two trauma-trained professionals who would check on her throughout the rebuilding process.

"I found that really helpful because you don't want to talk to people in your community because they already have that burden," she said.

"Even your family members are struggling, so it's important to have that external professional help."

Pillay also said that another important part of the process for her was taking the time to celebrate small victories in the months and years that followed.

Alexis Foster, the executive director of the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce from 2015 to 2018, shared the same sentiment.