Jasper to end state of emergency, focus on long-term wildfire recovery [Video]

The municipality of Jasper in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains is taking the next step this weekend in recovering from the July wildfire that destroyed a third of its buildings.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland told media Friday that the town’s state of emergency will formally end on Sunday.

Ireland said the move means Jasper is transitioning from a short-term recovery perspective to a long-term view.

“As we shift to recovery, one of the important matters on which we are focused is striking a balance between the resumption of economic activity and supporting residents who are experiencing profound personal grief, loss and anxiety, each in their own way,” he said.

Ireland said ending the state of emergency is part of finding that balance, as it will help the tourist town’s much-needed visitor economy start to return.

“While we set the conditions to allow residents to return, one of those conditions is stability of their livelihood,” he said.

“The gradual resumption of our necessary visitor …