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"The rising barriers and threats of trade really challenging our sector, risking the livelihoods of many rural communities, including Hinton, where we do rely upon the forest industry for a lot of our employment opportunities."

The collective pledge includes $3 million from Pursuit, $1.5 million from Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, $1 million from Rocky Mountaineer and upward of $300,000 from Jasper Brewing and Maligne Range through auction proceeds.

"With the loss of our business, we feel it's important for us to get a footprint back in the town as soon as we can."

The program provides $10,000 for incorporated businesses with up to 50 full-time equivalent employees, or $5,000 for sole proprietors in eligible industries, including tourism, construction, events and weddings.

The Jasper wildfire is the second costliest fire event in Canadian history, behind only the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire.

The village would take up the first row of 21 parking stalls north of the washrooms in the Connaught Drive parking lot near the downtown core.

"We have employees that are concerned about whether or not they'll have accommodation for the summer."

On Nov. 26, county council approved signing a purchase contract with the Alberta government for approximately 1,874 acres near the Jasper/Hinton airport, valued at about $6.37 million.

"This is an exciting asset for us, one that we really hope to share with Jasper, especially for this winter."

"This milestone, made possible by the Government of Canada’s commitment, ensures we can maintain coast-to-coast services, continue to connect communities, and inspire more Canadians to choose passenger rail."