Skip to Main content

17.88°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Aug 16, 2024 5:30 PM - The Canadian Press

Residents set to enter their homes for the first time in fire-ravaged Jasper townsite

Share On

residents-set-to-enter-their-homes-for-the-first-time-in-fire-ravaged-jasper-townsite

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland has said only residents will be allowed to enter the town and other visitors will be directed to stay on the highway and drive on by.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Some residents of the Municipality of Jasper are set to return to the town today after a massive wildfire forced them out more than three weeks ago.

Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland has said only residents will be allowed to enter the town and other visitors will be directed to stay on the highway and drive on 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.

Latest news

Fort St. John RCMP investigate second targeted drive-by shooting in recent weeks

RCMP are investigating a targeted drive-by shooting in Fort St. John that damaged several properties but did not result in any reported injuries. The incident marks the second targeted shooting in the city within the past few weeks. According to Fort St. John RCMP, officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 1:37 a.m. Thursday in the 9800 block of 108 Avenue, near the city's downtown area. Investigators found bullet damage to a travel trailer, two nearby homes and a vehicle. Police said no injuries were reported. As of publication, investigators have not released a description of any sus

federal-government-restores-full-health-coverage-for-refugees-and-asylum-claimants

CanadaAug 06, 2026

Federal government restores full health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants

The federal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has reversed recent cuts to health coverage for refugees and asylum claimants, restoring full benefits under the Interim Federal Health Program. New rules introduced on May 1, 2026 required eligible refugees to pay a $4 co-payment for prescription medications. The changes also required them to cover 30 per cent of the cost of supplemental services, including dental care, vision care, physiotherapy and mental health services. The policy drew criticism from frontline physicians, human rights organizations and community advocates, who argued

rcmp-warn-western-canada-trucking-businesses-about-credit-card-fraud-scheme

CanadaAug 06, 2026

RCMP warn Western Canada trucking businesses about credit card fraud scheme

The Saskatchewan RCMP is warning trucking and transportation-related businesses across Western Canada about a credit card fraud scheme targeting commercial suppliers. According to an RCMP news release, suspects are contacting businesses by phone and using fraudulent credit cards to purchase truck tires, engine oil, trailer parts and other high-value items. Police say the fraud typically begins with a phone order and payment by credit card. The initial transaction may appear as approved or pending, prompting businesses to ship the goods by courier. After the shipment is delivered, the credit ca

rustad-criticizes-b-c-premiers-public-response-as-wildfire-evacuations-continue

Rustad criticizes B.C. premier's public response as wildfire evacuations continue

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad has criticized Premier David Eby over his public response as thousands of people across British Columbia remain under evacuation orders because of ongoing wildfires. Rustad said it was unacceptable that the premier had not addressed the public while many residents remain displaced and families are uncertain whether their homes have survived. He described the situation as a failure of leadership, saying people affected by the fires expect clear answers and support from the province's top elected official. According to statements released by the B.C. Conserva

modi-netanyahu-discuss-west-asia-developments-in-phone-call

IndiaAug 06, 2026

Modi, Netanyahu discuss West Asia developments in phone call

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone on Thursday to discuss recent developments in West Asia and the current regional situation. According to information released by Indian authorities, the two leaders also reviewed ongoing cooperation under the India–Israel Strategic Partnership. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The conversation comes as both countries continue regular high-level engagement on regional and bilateral issues. Prime Minister Modi last spoke with Netan

Related News

Carney says Canada prepared to take tougher trade stance if no U.S. deal by Aug. 19

Carney says Canada prepared to take tougher trade stance if no U.S. deal by Aug. 19

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is prepared to adopt a tougher position if a trade agreement with the United States is not reached before the Aug. 19 deadline, while emphasizing that negotiations remain the federal government's priority. Speaking at a news conference in Toronto on Wednesday, Carney said Canada has several options available for a potential response if talks fail. However, he ruled out using oil and natural gas exports as leverage in the negotiations. He said the government's objective is to eliminate all sector-specific U.S. tariffs, including those affecting the automot

WestJet resumes normal operations after flight attendant strike

WestJet resumes normal operations after flight attendant strike

Canada's second-largest airline, WestJet, has announced that it has fully resumed normal operations following disruptions caused by a flight attendant strike. The airline said it is back to its regular schedule and is continuing to rebook passengers whose flights were cancelled over the weekend. According to WestJet, all scheduled flights on Wednesday are operating without disruption. The airline also thanked customers for their patience as it worked to restore services throughout the week. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that after more than 900 flights were cancelled between S

Late-night shooting reported at Surrey park; no injuries, police seek witnesses

Late-night shooting reported at Surrey park; no injuries, police seek witnesses

A late-night shooting at a park in Surrey's Whalley neighbourhood is under investigation, although no injuries or property damage have been reported. According to the Surrey Police Service (SPS), the incident occurred at approximately 12:10 a.m. at Robertson Drive Park near 127 Street and 92 Avenue. A witness told police that a large crowd gathered at the park quickly dispersed after gunshots were heard. SPS confirmed that officers located evidence of a shooting at the scene. However, no suspects have been identified, and investigators have not determined a possible motive. Police are asking a

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital