JASPER, ALBERTA, CANADA — Business owners in the fire-ravaged Rocky Mountain resort town of Jasper are getting some financial help getting back on their feet.

The federal government says it will provide close to $4 million in grants and aid to rebuild the local economy and bring back tourists.

Federal Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault says $3.5 million in grants will be made available for small business owners.

The money goes to businesses with 50 or fewer employees licensed in either the Jasper townsite or Jasper National Park, and does not have to be repaid.

There will be half a million dollars for Jasper Tourism for programs and exhibits to lure back visitors.

A wildfire in July forced all Jasper residents out and destroyed a third of all its structures.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 14, 2024.

Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press