Tourism operators and other businesses in B.C.'s North Thompson Valley along the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 5) have seen a significant decrease in business in recent weeks, following the closure of the highways near Jasper, Alberta due the fierce wildfire burning in Jasper National Park.
The fire forced the evacuation of approximately 25,000 people overnight on July 22, and continues to be battled by ground and air crews in the park. Approximately 30 per cent of the structures within the townsite of Jasper have been lost, and residents are waiting for buses to take them back into the area, as approved by Alberta premier Danielle Smith, to view the status of their homes and businesses.
The fire is still listed as out of control. On Aug. 3, a 24-year-old Alberta Wildfire member was hit by a falling tree while fighting the fire northeast of Jasper and succumbed to his injuries in spite of efforts to save him. Fellow wildfire fighters paused their efforts to pay their respects to their fallen comrade, lining the road on Aug. 4 to watch a procession pass in his honour.
Although the fire is still a concern to the townsite of Jasper, regulated access for commercial vehicles via Highway 16 has recently reopened on a scheduled basis.
The flow of commercial vehicles has increased substantially in recent days, but tourism operators and business owners — as well as local officials in Clearwater, an area that relies on tourism in Wells Gray Park — are evaluating the impact of the highway closure in and around Jasper.
“This highway closure through Jasper has been absolutely devastating to our local tourism operators," says Clearwater mayor Merlin Blackwell. "Some have said this has been worse than COVID as far as its effect on visitation. I'm hearing 50 to 80 per cent down on overnight stays.
"Traditionally, August is 40 per cent of the summer business. We need this highway fully open as soon as possible."
Tay Briggs-Eakins, owner of Wells Gray Adventures — a tourism adventure company operating in Wells Gray Park — is the former long-time manager of the visitor information centre in Wells Gray.
“Yes, we are seeing some cancellations following the highway closures near Jasper. Honestly most of the worry stems from the BC Wildfire app. The 'out of control' designations, which I do understand because they don't action any of the fires in the park, so they are technically out of control, are very scary for people. Even when a fire is no longer a current threat the designation remains.
"I get that as well, but the BC Wildfire folks have more credibility with potential tourists than the operators running their adventure trips, and reassurances from us can ring hollow to them.”
Some businesses have reported a noticeable drop in sales during what has traditionally been the busiest time of the year for tourism in Wells Gray Country. The Gateway Grill operates within the Quality Inn, and is a popular eatery and catering business in Clearwater just off Highway 5.
“We have certainly seen a drop in business, although not a ton of cancellations yet at this time,” says restaurateur Kalen Jones. “I asked the inn’s front desk, and it seems we are notably down about 30 per cent. That is significant for this time of year when we’re normally doing close to 200 plates at night, if not more, and we are doing around 120, which is average.
"This is going to make for a tricky season, as it’s in these six weeks that we really need to catch up from winter. My most recent count is for the past two nights, and we’ve been down below 120 plates. That is worrisome.”
The Little Fort diner at the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 24 leading to the Cariboo is also experiencing a drop in business.
“We’ve seen some really slow days," says Hailey Irving, a server at the diner, which is a popular place with commercial truck drivers who can park and come in for a sit-down meal just off the highway. "Usually on a Sunday we would be really busy, but it’s been very slow following the Jasper fire highway closures.”
Barriere, in the lower Thompson, is not seeing as much of a hit, says mayor Ward Stamer but that's not to say the area isn't experiencing wildfire challenges as well.
"Our numbers were down a bit, but we aren't a destination location in reality. Our nearby lakes have been open and the weather fairly good. Grocery and gas businesses are doing fairly well along Highway 5. Motel stays are down slightly, yes.
"The noticeable difference for us of course is less commercial traffic. The biggest concern we've had has been the Dunn Lake fires, as we know it's not just the Dunn Creek fire. Such great work by the Chu Chua and Simpcw First Nation with BC Wildfire Service on actioning those fires nearby, and all of our local first responders in partnership. We have our fingers crossed, though, when we hear about the possibility of dry lightning coming."
Messaging from BC Parks and Tourism Wells Gray (TWG) is that “Wells Gray Park is open for business!”
and executive director of TWG, Claire Hannah says, “We are providing updates daily, and even though there is wildfire activity, the main areas of the park, such as the newly constructed and accessible platform at Helmcken Falls, and many other falls, trails and hiking opportunities are open to the public for their enjoyment," says TWG executive director Claire Hannah. "We encourage visitors to check in with us at the Wells Gray Visitor Info centre on Clearwater Valley Road to pick up maps or to visit our website at wellsgray.ca for updates daily.”
