The town of Jasper says early numbers indicate last month91裸聊视频檚 wildfires destroyed $283 million worth of property.
The town also reports that while 358 structures were destroyed, mostly businesses and homes, the total number of housing units lost is about 800.
The figures were delivered to councillors by chief administrative officer Bill Given at a virtual meeting Tuesday.
Given said the numbers get even more daunting as the town moves forward with rebuilding because the lost structures equate to a $2.2-million loss in annual property tax revenue.
91裸聊视频淭hat will be a reduction in our capacity just when we need it the most,91裸聊视频� said Given.
Given said the town is applying for funding from the province and other entities to try to bridge the gap.
During the meeting, council approved a number of motions regarding the town91裸聊视频檚 next steps, just as Jasper91裸聊视频檚 5,000 residents prepare to return home Friday.
Approved motions included the suspension and deferral of property tax payments and collection for damaged and destroyed properties, as well as municipal utility charges for those same properties.
Council also passed a motion to have administration look into partially refunding property taxes for residents whose homes or businesses were destroyed, but who had paid their annual taxes in full before the fire.
91裸聊视频淭he overall intent is to ease the burden on residents,91裸聊视频� Given said. 91裸聊视频淲e will have a number of discussions about what the future looks like, but these are steps that administration identified we could take immediately.91裸聊视频�
Regarding the loss of 800 housing units, Mayor Richard Ireland urged residents to fill out a survey on the town91裸聊视频檚 website to gauge exactly how many people could use temporary housing once they return.
91裸聊视频淚t is critical that we continue to get the message out to residents that we need to hear from them,91裸聊视频� Ireland said. 91裸聊视频淲hether you are in need of housing, or whether you might have housing that could be available to other residents, it is critical information.91裸聊视频�
Given said those who have accessed temporary housing through evacuee reception centres in Edmonton, Calgary and Grande Prairie, Alta., will have continued access until 91裸聊视频渁t least91裸聊视频� Aug. 24.
A motion was also approved Tuesday to have the town hire a 91裸聊视频渄irector of recovery91裸聊视频� who will work for the community throughout the rebuilding process. Given told council the position would have a two-year term that could be extended if necessary.
91裸聊视频淚 think that staffing needs are going to be immense in the next few years, and probably complicated by the fact that some staff will have lost their homes (and) might not return,91裸聊视频� Coun. Wendy Hall said during debate.
91裸聊视频淭his will be a really steep learning curve for both the municipality and residents, and I feel that we need all the extra support possible.91裸聊视频�
Jasper residents have been out for three weeks but can return beginning Friday.
Parks Canada incident commander Jonathan Large, in a presentation at the beginning of Tuesday91裸聊视频檚 meeting, told council that residents returning to Jasper should still expect to see wildfire smoke nearby.
91裸聊视频淭here91裸聊视频檚 a lot of work left to do,91裸聊视频� Large said of the fire, which is still considered out of control.
Ireland said seeing 91裸聊视频渇ire on the landscape91裸聊视频� will be 91裸聊视频減art of the new normal91裸聊视频� for Jasper residents once back home.
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