The existence of illegal suites is nothing new to mountain communities. In a location where mortgage payments are high and accommodations are at a premium, the temptation to earn extra cash under the table after a few small renovations is high. The allure of low rents is too much for many tenants to pass up, and most new to town aren’t familiar with building code standards. In many cases, it’s all the tenant can afford.

So it’s no surprise to hear Parks Canada is acting on a potential illegal suite complaint, leaving seven Jasperites in the lurch. The residents have been informed they have three months to vacate their homes, and the homeowners and Parks Canada appear prepared for a battle. Because the fight has gotten to this point - more than a year after initial complaints were received - these seven could leave the town for good and will struggle to find accommodation this summer.

The incident is hardly isolated. It is a symptom of a lack of affordable housing in town.

While there is a definite safety risk with illegal suites (fire departments hate them due to the uncertainty they create), there isn’t much incentive for parks to crack down on owners at this time. Without affordable housing units in place, a crackdown would throw a glut of residents out on the street, increasing demand and upping rent prices across town. Let’s face it, most ‘illegal’ suites fulfill a useful need in the community, and forcing them underground causes its own problems.

If there is a crackdown, store owners would loose staff and homeowners would struggle with payments. At this time, there is no safety net. Yet if a crackdown isn’t a solution, nor is the complete blind eye. The dangers of inadequate housing are much to great.

The good news is that help is on the way. The MPL project is moving forward. The mayor is confident in two years Jasper will be a model for affordable housing. Let’s hope he’s right.

Parks Canada does not tour the town in search of illegal suites. They respond on a complaint basis, which presents its own problem. 

This instance is a perfect example of an issue that can be addressed through the community sustainability plan. Changes to the sustainability plan could legalize some of the suites, putting a dent in Jasper’s black housing market. Increased density is not something Jasper should be afraid of, especially considering the level of sustainable initiatives undertaken in the town. Mixing different levels of income in the same neighbourhood has proven to strengthen communities.

The plan provides an instance for those who can provide safe, affordable accommodation to step forward and argue that they provide an invaluable service to the town. Allow a clean-up of the truly unruly sites, and Parks and the Town would be able to applaud the creation of new housing - or at least a band-aid until more appropriate accommodation are created.