JASPER – In the wake of the devastating wildfire that destroyed more than half of Jasper's townsite in July, local seniors facilities have been grappling with significant displacement of residents.
There are 37 seniors from Alpine Summit and 32 from Pine Grove Manor displaced, according to Kristen Chambers, CEO of The Evergreens Foundation.
“The residents are doing as good as they can,” said Chambers. “There was a lot of family involvement. We are really grateful for the family support for the residents and there was lots of support from the Jasper community as well, so lots of kudos to the community and the families of the foundation."
The seniors in the continuing care part of Alpine Summit are in continuing care facilities in Hinton, Edson or Mayerthorpe. The lodge residents from Alpine Summit are either with families or they were placed at Evergreens Foundation facilities in Hinton, Edson, Grand Cache and Evansburg.
In addition, a group of Pine Grove Manor residents are currently staying at a hotel in Hinton, said Chambers. Some seniors are still sharing a suite but they are all housed.
The situation remains fluid, particularly for those from Pine Grove Manor because it was destroyed in the fire.
“We are now looking at what some short and long-term solutions look like but we don’t have that sorted out at this time,” said Chambers.
When residents can go home to Alpine Summit is still unknown and the foundation is taking its lead from the municipality, said Chambers.
“We have to make sure that all of our staff are able to return to their homes and that they have day care and all the things that they require within their community before we can look at our own return.”
All of the seniors at the lodges were safely evacuated but it has been traumatic for them so The Evergreens Foundation has been working with the local FCSS, community outreach, as well as the Government of Alberta.
“They have been coming to meet with the group from Pine Grove Manor,” said Chambers, adding that workers from Alberta Health Services and Alberta Mental Health have also been attending resident meetings and working with seniors individually.
Janis Marks and Ann Thomas, executive members of the Jasper Seniors Society, expressed in an email statement their concern for those affected.
“The Jasper Seniors Society executive send their heartfelt thoughts and hope everyone is safe and well. Looking forward to seeing everyone soon.”
The Alberta Senior Housing Minister’s office, through press secretary Alexandru Cioban, said all residents are being cared for by the Evergreens Foundation and Government of Alberta.
“Alberta’s government is already taking steps to rebuild the Pine Grove Manor, and will work closely with Evergreens Foundation to ensure that the manor is rebuilt as soon as possible. Residents of the manor are currently in hotels in Hinton and are being provided meals and supports by the Evergreens Foundation. Alberta’s government is exploring options for temporary housing for these residents while the manor is being rebuilt.
"Alberta’s government is working very closely with the Evergreens Foundation to support affected residents, and in the last week Minister Nixon and the Assistant Deputy Minister of Housing have each visited Hinton to support displaced seniors”
Cioban also highlighted the availability of mental health and support services for those struggling with the aftermath of the fire.
“We encourage anyone in need of assistance to contact the AHS Mental Health Helpline at 1-877-303-2642, Health Link at 811, or visitahs.ca/wildfire. Additional support is available through Counselling Alberta at 1-833-827-4230 and by calling 211 for local services.”
