With construction on home rebuilds underway and ramping up, the Municipality of Jasper (MoJ) will be launching additional communications which are expected to be sent out approximately twice a month moving forward.

Construction Coordination:

What we're seen and heard on the ground in the last couple of weeks:

Trespass and Materials Storage

There have been several instances of construction crews using neighbouring properties to store construction materials, park vehicles or place excavated materials.

Construction teams are reminded to not place construction equipment or materials on neighbouring properties or public lands without written permission from those leaseholders. Builders may be found to be trespassing on adjacent lots and subject to fines, penalties or legal action. Of special concern is that if materials are placed on sites which have not yet received Construction Completion Certificates this may transfer contamination between sites leading to remediation and impacts to construction schedule and cost.

You can apply to use adjacent Municipal streets and roads for construction purposes through the Street and Public Space Use Permit (SPSU) permit application. Link: https://jasper-alberta.ca/p/street-and-public-spac...

Protecting Municipal Infrastructure

During construction, it is essential to protect existing municipal infrastructure, including roads, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and stormwater systems. Damage to public assets can delay the rebuild process and result in additional costs to contractors and leaseholders.

To help prevent damage:

• Use protective mats when operating heavy equipment near sidewalks or road edges.
• Avoid storing materials or waste bins directly on paved surfaces without proper blocking.
• Ensure excavation and backfilling are done carefully to prevent undermining or cracking adjacent infrastructure.

Even with all the right equipment in place, damage still happens during construction. Report any accidental damage to the Municipality immediately so repairs can be coordinated.

Debris Removal from Water and Sewer Infrastructure

To protect Jasper’s infrastructure, debris from water and sewer service lines should be removed rather than pushed in. Rocks, ash and sediment that are pushed in to municipal water and sewer infrastructure can cause blockages that lead to backups, and costly repairs.

It is especially important that debris is properly removed from the sewer service lines, not simply pushed further into the sewer mains. Pushing debris deeper into the pipes can cause blockages in local and main lines, damage to municipal infrastructure and private property and service disruptions.

Water services should be flushed prior to plumbing hook-ups to remove debris from water service lines.

Please coordinate with the Construction Coordinator to schedule inspections and cleanouts as needed.

Being Neighbourly

Whenever possible, we'd encourage all residents, visitors and workers in town to approach each other with a bit of extra care and empathy right now. With the influx of construction equipment, noise and other impacts we're starting to notice that people's nerves are a little frayed. This is a call to action to be neighbourly as your work progresses and recognize that folks in Jasper might not be in the best place right now. Of course, respect and empathy goes both ways and the same ask is being made of residents to recognize that any disruption occurring means that people are in the community to help build homes for neighbours and friends.

The Jasper Builders Guide has some helpful content about what being neighbourly means in this context.

Business Licenses

Business licenses are needed for all contractors (and sub-contractors) working in Jasper. Fees for a business license are $165.00 for an annual license and include provision of a work pass to provide access into the National Park.

To apply for a business license please use the form on this webpage: Municipality of Jasper - Business License Application Form.

Note: The MoJ is actively working to amend the Business Licensing bylaw to only require licenses for prime contractors to reduce the administrative burden during the rebuild. Keep your eyes on this space for updates on this topic.

Street and Public Space Use Permits (SPSU)

A Street and Public Space Use Permit is required for any activity that obstructs or occupies public space. This does not include the regular use of roads and sidewalks. It does include closures of roads, parking lanes and sidewalks through the placement of materials, equipment, or waste bins; the use of cranes, construction machinery, or scaffolding; loading/unloading activities; or excavation and staging on public land.

To submit an application please visit: Street and Public Use Application. Permit applications must be submitted at least five (5) business days in advance and include a traffic accommodation plan.

Upcoming: The MoJ is looking to implement longer term 'Rebuild' SPSUs that allocate use of the lands in front of a site without needing an SPSU for every closure. If you are interested in this option, please make a note of that in your application. Keep your eyes on this space for updates on this topic.

Resources and Support

Construction Coordinator

The MoJ has a new Construction Coordinator who is available to help you deal with on-the-ground issues during construction.

For questions, coordination, or support related to construction activities, please contact:

Stef Dolan, Construction Coordinator – Municipality of Jasper
📞 Phone: 780-931-7833
📧 Email: sdolan@jasper-alberta.ca
🕒 Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Online Utilities Map

The MoJ has recently set up a new online utilities map that shows the approximate location of water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure in town. This information can be helpful in preparing site plans and knowing where to plan to connect to municipal services. Link: https://www.jasper-alberta.ca/p/utilitymap

Policy Updates

Approved Land Use Policy Updates:

On July 25, 2025, The Jasper Field Unit Superintendent approved changes to the Jasper Land Use Policy and Architectural Guidelines. The changes include:

• Small edits to improve policy clarity;
• Exempting Manufactured Homes from roof overhang requirements in the R4 District.
• Updated building material requirements to better align with FireSmart guidance, including decking, doors, trim/detailing and rooftop screening.
• Updated variance criteria.
• Reduced side setbacks in the Cabin Creek West Multi-Unit Dwelling District (CCWc) from 3.5m to 1.2m for interior lots.
• Allowing front-back two-unit dwelling configurations in the CCWa and CCWb districts.
• Updated secondary suite rules to align with building code requirements.

To ensure that builders and industry working directly with these documents have the most detailed information the specific redline versions of the changes are included in this industry bulletin.

Attached:

• Table of LUP and Architectural Motif Updates - Q2 2025

If you have questions about the changes, please contact jasperdevelopment@pc.gc.ca, call (780) 852-6123 or sign up to meet with a development planner in Jasper. A copy of the detailed changes are available upon request.

Update prepared in collaboration between Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper.

Upcoming Off-Site Levy Bylaw Updates:

The Municipality of Jasper will present an amended Off-Site Levy Bylaw to Committee of the Whole on August 12, 2025.

The Bylaw is aimed at ensuring that new developments contribute fairly to the cost of essential infrastructure upgrades. Off-site levies are fees collected on projects to help fund improvements to roads, water systems, wastewater treatment, and storm drainage. The bylaw outlines levy rates, eligible infrastructure, payment timing, and other administrative processes.

Details:

Friday, August 08 - The proposed Off Site Levy Bylaw will be posted on the Municipality's website along with the rest of the Committee Agenda: https://jasper-alberta.ca/p/agendas-and-minutes

Tuesday, August 12 at 9:30 am - Proposed bylaw is presented to Committee of the Whole. You can listen to the meeting live by using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87657457538.

[UPDATED] Tuesday, September 02 at 1:30 pm - A public hearing for the Bylaw is expected to scheduled for the following Council meeting in the Quorum Room of the Jasper Municipal Library.