The devastating 2024 wildfire that swept through Jasper National Park destroyed nearly one-third of the structures in the town of Jasper and damaged critical infrastructure across the national park, leaving the community with a massive rebuilding effort that continues more than two years later.
As homes, businesses and municipal services are restored, Jasper is also looking to strengthen infrastructure against future emergencies. A key part of that work will be the restoration of a decommissioned wastewater lagoon through a new joint investment of more than $7.9 million from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
The wildfire burned approximately 32,700 hectares and destroyed 30% of structures in the town. It is also estimated to have damaged or destroyed 20% of the assets in Jasper National Park, including campgrounds, staff housing, utilities buildings, highways and roadways.
More than $385 million in federal funding has been directed toward Jasper wildfire response and recovery efforts over the past two years. According to the federal government, the work has included providing interim housing for more than 415 families, clearing debris from all affected lots and advancing reconstruction, with work underway at 118 properties.
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In June 2026, the federal government announced another $520 million to accelerate rebuilding in Jasper National Park, including critical infrastructure repairs and continued interim housing for displaced residents.
The wastewater lagoon project is intended to make Jasper’s wastewater system more resilient during emergencies and other disruptions by providing additional storage during peak flows, extended power outages, infrastructure failures and maintenance events.
The federal government is contributing more than $3.9 million through the Direct Delivery stream of the $51-billion Build Communities Strong Fund. The remaining project costs will be supported by the Alberta government and the Municipality of Jasper.
The project involves restoring and relining an existing decommissioned lagoon that is already used to receive untreated sewage when extended power outages affect the wastewater treatment plant, including during wildfires, or when the plant is taken offline for maintenance.
Municipal council documents indicate the lagoon has been used for emergency wastewater storage several times in recent years. Local officials have also identified the need to reline the lagoon because an unlined facility can allow wastewater to seep into the ground, potentially affecting the nearby Athabasca River.
Once restored, the lagoon is expected to provide critical storage capacity during peak-flow periods and emergencies, helping prevent wastewater overflows and maintain service while protecting the surrounding watershed.
The additional capacity is also intended to support Jasper’s longer-term rebuilding and housing strategy as development proceeds following the wildfire.
“Jasper’s experience has underscored how essential resilient infrastructure is to the safety and well-being of all communities,” said Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland in a statement. “As we rebuild, we have an opportunity to both restore what was here, and to strengthen the systems and infrastructure our community relies upon to better prepare for the challenges of the future.”
