'Failure is not an option': Fire-torn Jasper entering new year with hope and anxiety
This year, Kim Stark's kids took responsibility for decorating the family Christmas tree.
Ornaments include toy cars, puzzle pieces, string and a pair of binoculars — things her three young daughters had handy after the family lost their home in summer’s devastating Jasper wildfire.
"I have the most wonderful tree on the planet," said Stark.
"It's part of our story and part of who we are.
“If (the kids) are happy, I'm happy."
Jasper council told wildfire caused $283 million in lost property value
The town of Jasper says early numbers indicate last month’s wildfires destroyed $283 million worth of property.
The town also reports that while 358 structures were destroyed, mostly businesses and homes, the total number of housing units lost is about 800.
The figures were delivered to councillors by chief administrative officer Bill Given at a virtual meeting Tuesday.
Given said the numbers get even more daunting as the town moves forward with rebuilding because the lost structures equate to a $2.2-million loss in annual property tax revenue.
'Extra hoops': Parks Canada's lease system, building rules could delay Jasper rebuild
Residents of Jasper, Alta., who lost their homes in last month’s wildfire face unique rebuilding challenges tied to leasing provisions nearly as old as Canada, followed modern rules dictating what they can and can’t construct.
Lawyer Jessica Reed said property owners in the townsite in Jasper National Park own their buildings but, unlike other municipalities, don’t own the land they sit on.