Alberta accepting invoices from Valemount for Jasper evacuee costs

Vehicles leave the Jasper area in July 2024 hours before wildfire breached the town. (Sean McClune/CTV News Edmonton)

Valemount business owners that hosted Jasper evacuees last summer are now eligible for reimbursement from the Government of Alberta, says consulting firm Strategies North.

Businesses, non-profits and other organizations who hosted evacuees can submit reimbursement requests for goods and services they provided to evacuees for free or at a significant discount, according to the firm.

These goods and services can include accommodation, food and water, consumable items, or other costs related to hosting evacuees beyond the typical operating expenses of the business.

Those requesting reimbursement should send an invoice to [e-mail] before June 4th.

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Invoices should have the Village of Valemount listed as the recipient, and should specify that the invoice is for the costs of hosting the 2024 Jasper evacuees.

The firm suggests including supporting documentation such as receipts, room lists, lists of evacuees or other documents alongside the invoice.

The Municipality of Jasper will include invoices from the Village of Valemount in its reimbursement requests to the Alberta Ministry of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

Once the province reimburses Jasper, the municipality will pass on the approved reimbursement requests to Valemount, and the Village will distribute reimbursed funds.

By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Rocky Mountain Goat