
Premier Smith pushing to fast-track permits for rebuild of fire-ravaged Jasper
The fire in the town is out, but the blaze in the park remained out of control
EDMONTON — Premier Danielle Smith says Alberta will push the federal government and the Town of Jasper to fast-track the rebuild of the picturesque Rocky Mountain townsite.
Smith says her government is striking a committee of senior civil servants to work with Parks Canada and Jasper leaders to swap ideas, expedite development permits and collaborate on ways to restore Jasper as quickly as possible.
“Sometimes these permit approvals can be complicated. They can be lengthy,” Smith told reporters in Calgary on Tuesday.
“But we also see what happens on the other end, that a few years in, you can actually make great progress.
“We don’t want to be three or four years in and still waiting for development and permit approvals.”