Jasper fire caused $880 million in insured losses – Radio-Canada

The fire, which burned in Jasper National Park and destroyed part of the village, is the costliest disaster in the history of Canada’s national parks, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

In the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, my industry was paying out on average hundreds of millions of dollars a year for severe weather damage, says Rob de Pruis, national director of Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

Over the past decade, that figure has grown well over $2 billion.

2500 compensation claims

The fire is the ninth costliest disaster in Canadian history in terms of insurance payouts, notes Rob de Pruis.

He also believes that recent disasters, such as the water damage in Montreal (new window), the floods in Ontario (new window), or the hailstorm in the Calgary region (new window), could overtake Jasper in insurance damages.

Rob de Pruis says there have been about 2,500 claims from Jasper victims so far.

A residential debris removal program is underway to help residents search for family mementos in the rubble. Rob de Pruis says more than 300 properties have signed up to the program so far.

The goal is to clear all debris by November 30, with priority given to commercial properties.

The wildfire that broke out this summer in Jasper has devastated neighbourhoods, including the Cabin Creek neighbourhood. (File photo)

Photo : Radio-Canada / Liam Harrap

Concerns about air quality

Jasper City Councilor Rico Damota says some residents are concerned about air pollutants.

I read on social media that a family in Fort McMurray moved back into their home and six months later discovered there were contaminants in the home that made them sick. Quote from Jasper City Councillor Rico Damota

Rico Damota says he understands the air in a home can’t be insured, but Jasper residents are finding there are differences in what insurance companies cover when it comes to contaminants.

It’s a challenge because there are no standards for contamination levels. That’s in addition to insurance limitations that can prevent people from being able to afford air quality testing, notes Rob de Pruis.

Some of these tests can cost between $20,000 and $25,000. A quote from Rob de Pruis, National Director of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

The insurance industry is taking care of doing all the necessary clean-ups to make sure there is enough coverage to do all the necessary work, he says.

Then, if there is still coverage available, if you still have problems, you can use some of these tests to determine what type of contaminants are present.

Rob de Pruis also recommends that residents choose qualified sanitation companies to ensure their property is properly cleaned.

With information from Emily Williams