JASPER — Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is in the early process of reopening following last month’s devastating wildfires in Jasper and its surrounding areas.
The good news comes amid recent announcements from Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper that re-entry for local resident might be possible as early as today, Aug. 16.
“We are encouraged as this is a critical milestone as we take steps toward welcoming both residents and visitors back to Jasper,” said Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in an official update on its website. “Our primary focus remains the safety of our team as we do our due diligence to thoroughly assess the impact of the fires across our 700-acre resort, and the requirements and timelines for a safe reopening for our team and guests.”
The hotel has confirmed that many of its 100-year-old structures have been spared from the active wildfire, including landmarks such as the Main Lodge, Outlook Cabin, Point Cabin and Golf Clubhouse. Damage was sustained to two guest cabins, some operational facilities, and a portion of our employee housing.
“We are at the early stages of this process, ensuring the proper infrastructure is in place to safely occupy the resort, such as utilities and essential services,” the update continues. “We are actively working toward staff return, eager to have our team back at the resort, and excited to start welcoming many of you back to the hotel, as soon as we are safely able to do so.”
For guests with upcoming reservations at the hotel, the reservations team is currently in the process of cancelling Resort, Golf, Spa, Dining and Event reservations for the coming days. Guests will receive a cancellation notice and are being asked to contact Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge’s Global Reservations team at 1-866-540-4454 or Fairmont Banff Springs’ 24-hour Royal Service line at 1-403-762-2211 (dial ‘0’ for assistance).
LOCAL RE-ENTRY
Some residents of the Municipality of Jasper are set to return to the town today. Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland has said only residents will be allowed to enter, while other visitors will be directed to stay on the highway and drive by.
The plan had been for a full reopening, but Ireland said this week plans changed after some residents said they were concerned about visitors intruding on their privacy as they learn first-hand the state of their homes and businesses.
The town’s 5,000 residents, along with 20,000 more visitors, were forced out on the night of July 22.
A massive wildfire entered the community about two days later and destroyed a third of its structures.
Some residents have seen their homes on bus tours since then but they were not allowed to get out to enter their homes.
With file from The Canadian Press