Banff and Lake Louise officials are reminding Canadians their jurisdictions are still open and welcoming visitors, following a wildfire that devastated the town of Jasper and closed the surrounding park.
“We understand that the recent wildfire in Jasper has raised concerns among some travellers. I want to assure people that there is currently no threat to public safety or infrastructure,” Banff & Lake Louise Tourism CEO Leslie Bruce said in an
Aug. 1 press release.“Our community appreciates the support of our guests and we encourage visitors who have planned trips to Banff and Lake Louise this summer to see their plans through.”
There are no wildfires currently threatening Lake Louise—which is located 230 kilometres away from Jasper—or Banff, which is 57 kilometres farther east. It said summer operations are continuing “as usual” for the two communities, which are also supporting Jasper “in any way we can.”
Banff and Lake Louise rely on tourism, the press release said. The sector includes more than 750 businesses and 60 percent of their revenue is generated May through September.
A wildfire tore through Jasper July 24,
destroying approximately 30 percent of the buildings in the town of nearly 5,000 people. Structural firefighters managed to save essential infrastructure such as the hospital, emergency services building, elementary and high schools, activity centre, and wastewater treatment plant.
Parks Canada
said sprinklers have been installed on some buildings north of the town, because fire activity is expected to increase. Park staff is also working to finalize a damage assessment map.
Credit rating agency DBRS Morningstar estimated last week the Jasper wildfires could cost the insurance industry up to $700 million, making it one of the most expensive wildfire disasters in Canadian history.
Due to the ongoing evacuation order for the town of Jasper and Jasper National Park, both remain closed to tourists. “While we wait for a complete picture to develop of the current situation, we ask travellers for patience and grace as many of our residents and businesses navigate this loss and turn to the future rebuilding of our community,” a
note from Tourism Jasper reads.
“Know that we will be back. Our mountains have stood tall for millions of years, and Jasper will stand tall through this.”
