BC town that welcomed wildfire refugees now suffering long term economic damage
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Long term effects of forest fires: When about half of the Canadian mountain resort of Jasper, BC burned in a forest fire in 2024, the village of Valemount welcomed refugees with open arms. A year later, although not directly affected by the fire, the small community is suffering dire economic consequences, the CBC reports.
The village of Valemount, B.C., about 1,5 hours dirve from Jasper, is facing severe economic hardship following last summer’s devastating wildfire in Jasper, Alta. Valemount welcomed nearly 20,000 evacuees, however the closure of highways connecting the two communities cut off tourism revenue for weeks, leaving local businesses struggling.
Valemount, a resort town reliant on visitors traveling through northern B.C. to Jasper, is now seeking $1.5 million in financial aid from the provincial and federal governments to prevent economic collapse. Business owners report significant losses due to the tourism slowdown.
Despite Prime Minister Mark Carney’s $187-million investment to rebuild Jasper National Park, Valemount says it has not received sufficient support. A local survey revealed that 70% of businesses lack the resources to stay afloat, and many were unable to claim insurance since their losses were indirect.
Officials warn that without aid, the village risks losing much of its economy before the next tourism season. Valemount continues to push for additional government assistance to sustain local businesses.
Photo Credit: Village of Valemount, BC. Photo courtesy of the village council.