Tuesday, March 10, 2026
The federal government announced $14.3 million in funding to help build 40 below market rental units for those living and working in Jasper National Park.
Called the Connaught Below Market Housing Development, the project is located at 737 Connaught Drive. Construction of the low-rise apartment building is expected to be complete in late 2026.
The funding for this project comes in direct response to the wildfires and marks a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“Housing is fundamental to the well-being of our community and is central to Jasper’s recovery and future sustainability. We are grateful for the significant support provided by CMHC, the Government of Alberta, and for Parks Canada’s partnership in making land available for this project, which together will help ensure the people who live and work in Jasper continue to have a place to call home while addressing our community’s long-standing housing needs,” said Richard Ireland, Mayor, Municipality of Jasper.
Housing recovery efforts in Jasper aligns with broader federal initiatives to increase housing supply, including Build Canada Homes, which is intended to help accelerate homebuilding and support the development of affordable, transitional, supportive, and community housing through collaboration with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities.
“As an Albertan, I understand the special place Jasper holds in the heart of our province and in the hearts of Canadians across the country. The community has shown extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity. Jasper’s recovery is moving forward, but the work is not yet done. Housing remains one of the most significant challenges, and today’s announcement is an important step in closing that gap,” said Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience.
This project is also supported by the government of Alberta, receiving $12 million in funding through Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP) which includes funding to build an additional 40 units as part of phase two of this project. AHPP encourages creativity and innovation, and supports a range of housing options, including specialized housing, mixed-income housing and mixed-used housing. Funding for the AHPP is eligible for federal cost-matching through the Canada – Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
“As Jasper continues to recover, my priority as Jasper’s local MLA is having Alberta’s government invest in the infrastructure and affordable housing this community needs. Projects like the Connaught Affordable Housing Development help the families of my riding rebuild and stay rooted in our community,” said Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure and MLA for West Yellowhead.
Also highlighted at the announcement was the success of Jasper in delivering on their Housing Accelerator Fund commitments. Jasper had a strong first year, far exceeding its year one forecast of 250 units, with 365 units permitted. Given their action plan’s focus on densification, 90 per cent of permitted units are medium density housing, or part of the missing middle. As such, Jasper received their second payment of $2.3 million from the federal government.
“Jasper’s path to recovery is underway, driven by the strength and resilience of its people and community as well as the partnerships Parks Canada continues to advance. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting the community not only as it rebuilds, but as it emerges stronger and more resilient than before. Today’s investment in affordable housing will help ensure that those who live and work here can remain at the heart of Jasper’s renewal,” said Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature and minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Featured image: (L to R) Andrew Campbell, acting president CEO and SVP of Transformation for Parks Canada; Martin Long, Alberta’s Minister of Infrastructure; Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience; and Richard Ireland, Mayor of the Municipality of Jasper. (Government of Canada)
