As the shovel hits the ground on the town of Jasper’s latest foray into affordable housing - the 42 unit partnership with Mountain Park Lodges - affordable housing advocates breath a sign of relief. Work is slated to begin today, and by next April, the town should have an affordable housing project it can use as a model for future developments. Other communities are eager to see how the public/private model will work in Jasper, and those caught in inadequate housing situations are waiting with baited breath. 

The same group had gathered in February to accept a $3.2 million cheque from the province, and MPL has contributed in a big way, donating the land, overseeing the development and putting up $1.37 million to make the project happen. Hopefully, MPL and its staff will be able to reap the benefits of a clean, well-lighted place to live. Regardless, partnerships are never easy to forge and the Fitzhugh wishes this one the best of luck.

However there are still many questions about these units. The constant struggle in all mountain towns is keeping affordable housing units affordable. Time will tell if this development is able to find the solution. 

Given that the development will play a large role in the town’s request to release more land for affordable housing, details must be sure to follow. Let’s hope the town and MPL keep the lines of communication open.

Yet while the focus will be on bigger projects, the town should not lose sight of other changes. With the sustainability plan opening up to the public in September, the time is now for Jasper to call for land use rights which it can use to tap into alternative housing options.

The town should aim to create a buffet of housing options, be it through apartments, duplexes and basement suites. With such a limited land base, there is a need to be creative when pursuing housing options. Mixed neighbourhoods will avoid income stratification across town and avoid the perils of ghettoization.

Banff is currently toying with reducing height restrictions, lessening setbacks and allowing cabins on lots - the last move being more in line with the town’s heritage. Would granny suites appeal to Jasperites? Or is the smart money on building up?

While land use rights will come with greater expense and likely a larger planning department, council must ready itself for the extra work (and complaints) such a responsibility will bring. Pointing the finger at Parks should no longer suffice as a valid response. 

Increased power requires increased responsibility.