Beyond Local

"There is great attendance by both service providers, and [we] have exceeded our expectations for attendance from residents from the Jasper townsite, so we're really pleased about that."

Today, the first evacuated residents return to the Jasper townsite. Here’s a timeline of the heartbreaking and historic events that happened while they were gone.

Buddy Ray Underwood's second-degree murder conviction was upgraded to first-degree murder in the kidnapping and torture of Nature Duperron who was from Athabasca and her body was discovered near Hinton, Alberta.

Images from the re-entry day in Jasper after three weeks of evacuation.

Jasper residents got their first glimpse of home as they stopped at the east gates of Jasper National Park on Friday (Aug. 16).

More than three weeks after everyone in Jasper had to flee raging wildfires through a curtain of darkness and smoke, some returned Friday morning, greeted by soot-covered tree stumps, Mounties, and long lines of orange traffic cones.

Anyone choosing to say overnight is asked to bring essential supplies to last at least 72 hours, including food, drinking water and medication.

Under the evacuation alert, residents should be prepared to evacuate Jasper within a one-hour notice.

The Banff Ave. pedestrian zone vote led to the largest turnout for its eligible voters with 2,523 heading to the polls, surpassing previous participation in municipal elections dating back to 1989.

"The additional financial assistance of $500 per household will help people meet their ongoing needs as they begin their next steps in recovery."