Jasper is among the most expensive places to live in Alberta, according to a new report on living wages.
The Alberta Living Wage Network (ALWN) calculates Jasper’s living wage has increased from $24.90 per hour in 2023 to $31.40 per hour in 2024. This is the highest living wage ranked in this year’s report among cities such as Calgary, Edmonton and St. Albert.
“This recognition underscores the significant cost of living in our community, which presents unique challenges, particularly as we work to balance the needs of our wage-earning residents with the demands of our tourism-driven economy,” said Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland in a statement.
A living wage is the hourly wage required for individuals and families to meet their basic needs and maintain a modest standard of living, according to ALWN. This is calculated based on the local costs of essential goods and services while accounting for government benefits and taxes.
Ireland noted the purpose of Jasper’s involvement in the report was not to impose requirements on businesses or individuals but to ensure Jasper had “the information needed for data-informed decision-making.”
“As we continue recovery efforts, we are mindful of the delicate balance between fostering economic recovery and supporting the well-being of our residents,” he said.
According to the ALWN report, the annual expenses for Jasperites are $96,968 for a family of four, $65,619 for a single parent with one child and $49,885 for a single individual.
ALWN attributed increasing rent over the last year as the driving force behind rising costs in Alberta. Jasper’s chronic housing shortage has been exasperated by the recent wildfire that destroyed 820 residential units.
“The Municipality of Jasper remains committed to supporting both the recovery of our community and the sustainability of our tourism sector, working collaboratively with local businesses, residents, stakeholders and all levels of government to ensure fair and sustainable solutions for all,” Ireland said.
While Jasper’s living wage is the highest of 21 communities across Alberta, not all communities in the province participated. Canmore, which had the highest living wage in Alberta at $38.80 per hour in 2023, was not included in this year’s report.
For 2024, the next closest to Jasper was Calgary at $24.45, Barrhead at $24.50 and Airdrie at $24.30.
Heidi Veluw, executive director of the Jasper Employment and Education Centre, said she was unsure whether the report had gathered the data before the wildfire but noted Jasper had already been unaffordable for many.
“Living wage or not, Jasper things are expensive,” Veluw said. “Right now, so many people are underemployed or unemployed. They’ve lost so much.”
With dozens of businesses gone, the summer season cut short and much of the natural landscape marred, the wildfire has had a devastating impact on the local economy, with many struggling to find work.
“At the employment centre, we’re seeing most people [working] 30 hours or much less, and nothing’s affordable when you’re on employment insurance or working 20 hours a week,” Veluw said. “And is that an employer’s fault? No, but wage increases should be considered.”
Although acknowledging how difficult the current landscape was for Jasper employers, Veluw noted they needed to explore how they could have equitable wages even with decreased business and do things differently to retain workers.
“I just think we have to look at new opportunities right now to make life more affordable for people,” she said. “And there’s so much opportunity to look at things differently because it’s a new Jasper.”
An ALWN spokesperson was not available for comment and could not confirm when the data was gathered.
2024 Living Wage Rates by Community:
- Airdrie: $24.30
- Barrhead: $24.50
- Bonnyville: $23.60
- Brooks: $18.50
- Calgary: $24.45
- Cold Lake: $19.55
- Drayton Valley: $19.85
- Edmonton: $20.85
- Fort McMurray: $23.50
- Grande Prairie: $18.85
- High River: $21.50
- Jasper: $31.40
- Lethbridge: $20.00
- Lloydminster (AB/SK): $18.75
- Medicine Hat: $17.55
- Red Deer: $18.90
- Rocky Mountain House: $23.75
- Special Areas: $22.60
- Spruce Grove: $20.65
- St. Albert: $21.75
- Stony Plain: $21.30