Valemount says businesses facing shutdown amid B.C. government ‘inaction’

Valemount says businesses facing shutdown amid B.C. government ‘inaction’

The Village of Valemount is accusing the British Columbia government of “inaction” for failing to provide financial relief for businesses impacted by the 2024 Jasper wildfire.

Valemount says businesses facing shutdown amid B.C. government 'inaction' - The Turtle Island News

By Peter Shokeir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Jasper Fitzhugh The Village of Valemount is accusing the British Columbia government of “inaction” for failing to provide financial relief for businesses impacted by the 2024 Jasper wildfire. Valemount Mayor Owen Torgerson described his experience lobbying his provincial government as “frustrating” and emphasized how dire the economic situation was for his community. “We’ve seen closures, w…

Businesses need $1.5 million after helping Jasper evacuees, says mayor

“You never want to have a community questioning if the reception of evacuees is the right thing to do.” –Owen Torgenson B.C. government officials say they’re working to support Valemount businesses that lost revenue after the village took in Jasper wildfire evacuees, but won’t commit the $1.5 million the mayor says is needed to prevent the community from sliding into an economic tailspin.  If the province won’t provide funding, it’s a problem, b…