Debris from Jasper Place Hotel fire in February sits inches from road

Rubble left from the Jasper Place Hotel fire in February is causing safety concerns and image frustrations for businesses.

More than a month after fire destroyed the Jasper Place Hotel, rubble from the building remains at the scene, just inches from a busy city street.

The hotel at Stony Plain Road and 154 Street was torn down after the fire on Feb. 19.

On Thursday, a CTV News Edmonton photographer captured images of the property.

A metal fence has been erected around part of the lot, but burnt wood and twisted metal from the building is accessible through the back alley and can be seen spilling onto the sidewalk that runs along Stony Plain Road.

The road is currently down to one lane each way in front of the lot while Valley Line West LRT construction continues, leaving little room for drivers to maneuver if the debris enters the roadway.

The city says the Problem Property team is investigating the site.

“The Problem Property team has been assigned this investigation and will follow up with the nuisance on land concerns. The Community Standards bylaw provides regulations and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that exterior minimum maintenance standards are met on private property.

“In the event of non-compliance, officers may proceed with remedial action and remove the debris at the owner’s expense,” Keith Scott of the City of Edmonton said in an email to CTV News Edmonton on Thursday.

“Before initiating any enforcement action, officers reach out to the property owner to establish the status of the insurance investigation and the owner’s intentions, in hopes of gaining voluntary compliance.

“The city is currently working with the property owner to ensure the nuisance debris is removed and progress is being made to clean the site.”

CTV News Edmonton asked the city who is responsible if a person is injured or a vehicle is damaged by debris from the site, but did not receive a response.

Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Reed Clarke, who represents the area, says the city is not responsible for the site.

“At this time, the owner is responsible for all site management duties, including fence maintenance, general property upkeep, security excavation and cleanup,” he wrote in an email to CTV News Edmonton.

“Redeveloping Stony Plain Road is a top priority for my team, beginning with our commitment to making it a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.”

Community response

The Stony Plain Road Business Association (SPRBA) says it’s concerned about how long it’s taking to get the property properly fenced and cleaned up.

Director Todd Janes told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday he has had multiple conversations with bylaw officials about the lot, including one this week.

“We are distressed that the property owner has taken no further action. Debris from the fire is falling onto the sidewalk and public right of way,” he said.

“Now is the time for the City of Edmonton to clean up the site and charge the property owner for the costs. This site is a safety concern and the debris needs to be contained or removed immediately.”

A history of problems

Janes says the city should have dealt with the hotel years ago, noting emergency crews have been called to the hotel multiple times over the last seven years.

The hotel was closed by Alberta Health Services in 2020 after asbestos was found in the building after a fire in December 2019.

According to AHS, the closure order still remains in place.

A spokesperson says AHS has not been notified if the asbestos identified on the property was fully remediated.

“Since the order was issued, the owner has not communicated their intended plans for the property, and no request for a follow-up inspection has been received,” Kristen Anderson wrote in an email on Friday.

“AHS-EPH last monitored the property on March 7, 2025 where it was verified the property was boarded and secure.”

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services says the cause of the most recent fire is still under investigation.

Damage is estimated at $1.4 million.

The city is currently considering a new property tax subclass that would raise taxes on derelict commercial properties, similar to one already in place for residential properties in Edmonton.

Janes says the SPRBA is hopeful that effort will improve conditions along the avenue.

“These problem properties create safety concerns for the community, necessitating faster, consistent regulations, follow-through with bylaw enforcement, and stronger tax regulations,” he said.

“We are pleased that the City of Edmonton is moving forward to address problem commercial properties and hope this will be legislated soon.”