Jasper’s finances take hit after wildfire [Video]

Jasper is facing a major budget crunch in the wake of last summer’s wildfire.

The fire burned or damaged one-third of the buildings in the townsite, putting a multi-million-dollar dent in tax revenue.

“The disaster is something that’s going to have long-lasting repercussions,” said Bill Given, Jasper’s chief administrative officer.

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“The municipalitiy’s revenue will take a significant hit for a number of years going forward, until properties are rebuilt.”

Given estimates the municipality will lose out on more than $9 million in revenue in the next two years in part because fewer residents and businesses are paying property taxes or utility fees.

“In the absence of any financial stabilization, the costs of providing municipal services would essentially shift to all the remaining properties.”

Revenue is one problem and expenses are another. Under the Disaster Recovery Program the province enacted three …