The Municipality of Jasper is temporarily adjusting its traffic bylaw to allow for the safe use of RVs and trailers within town from Aug. 16 to Sept 15.
Re-entry officially begins Friday (Aug. 16) more than three weeks after Jasper was evacuated due to wildfires.
“Our intention is to provide flexibility to those residents located within green zones to park in front of their properties or agree to provide their space to red zone friends and family with RVs or trailers,” the municipality stated.
These temporary changes include waiving of the 72-hour limit for parking an RV or trailer on a roadway.
Permission will be granted for trailers to be left unattached on a roadway and for residents to use their RV or trailer as transitional housing during re-entry from Aug. 16 to Sept. 15.
“Wherever possible, we ask that recreation vehicles be parked in residential driveways to reduce congestion on the roadway,” the municipality stated.
“During the bylaw adjustment period, Bylaw Officers will manage complaints and address safety or access issues.”
These temporary changes only apply to areas in green zones.
Residents won’t be allowed to park their RVs and trailers on the roadway in red zones to ensure crews have access while clean-up is underway. The red zones are primarily located in the southwest portion of town.
Resident also can’t park RVs and trailers in public parking lots.
Plans are in the works to make a sani-dump available, with more details to come.
Those who park in front of their properties are asked to ensure their ATCO Gas placard is highly visible to ATCO employees, such as by placing them in a second-floor window or an area that is easily seen from the street.
Re-Entry Support Centre
A support centre will be waiting at Commemoration Park to provide returning residents with resources and information.
“We look forward to welcoming you and offering support,” the Municipality of Jasper stated in an update.
“We understand that this is a challenging and emotional time, and we are here to support you as you navigate these next steps.”
The Re-Entry Support Centre will have resources and information on mental health, utilities, internet, insurance, Alberta government supports and Red Cross supports.
There will also be representation from Alberta Health Services, Parks Canada, and Community Futures West Yellowhead.
The Re-Entry Support Centre will be at Commemoration Park (1324 Pyramid Lake Road) and open daily starting Aug. 16 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Agency representatives will be available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and coffee will be ready at 7 a.m.
Re-entry set for tomorrow
Re-entry will be limited to only residents, who will need to show their Parks Canada-issued resident parking pass or self-declare.
Entry to the community will be limited to the east entrance and RCMP will only grant access to those with a resident re-entry guide.
Non-residents will be turned away and directed to drive through the park on Highway 16 without stopping.
Residents are asked to review the re-entry guide prior to returning.
For those unable to return or remain, reception centres in Grande Prairie, Calgary and Edmonton are open and will continue to provide support to evacuees until at least Aug. 24.
Re-entry is conditional on achieving and maintaining the re-entry criteria, which can be found on the Municipality of Jasper’s website.
