Canadian Armed Forces Arriving in Hinton to Assist Jasper Wildfire Efforts

In a spirit of unity and support, the Town of Hinton is proud to assist our neighbours in Jasper as they battle the ongoing wildfire complex. As part of this effort, the Canadian Armed Forces will be arriving in Hinton between the evening of July 26 and the morning of July 27.

What to Expect:

Arrival and Setup:

• The Armed Forces will set up camp on the back side of the parking lot between the library and Gordon Moore Memorial Park.
  • Discovery camp drop-off and pick-up will not be affected. 
• They will be present for approximately three weeks.
• Security will be on-site, and the camp flag will be raised.

Temporary Changes:

• The Steve Hotchkiss Arena (SHA) will be rented for their use during this period.
• All recreation programming typically held in the SHA will be moved to the Bill Thomson Arena (BTA).
• Access to the BTA will be through the concession and stands to reach the floor.

We understand that the presence of armoured vehicles and additional military personnel might cause concern or confusion. Please be assured that their presence is strictly to support firefighting efforts in Jasper. It is important to remember to let the military operate without disruption. Please do not infringe on their operation.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we come together to support Jasper during this challenging time. Your patience and community spirit are invaluable.

Thank you for your continued support. While we greatly appreciate the offers, they are not needed at this time. If assistance is required, requests will be made through the proper channels. For any questions or further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at 780-865-6016.

We understand the community's desire to help, but it is essential to remember that this is not The Town of Hinton’s emergency to manage. The Town’s role is to offer compassion and direct people to the appropriate resources without overstepping the authority of the Emergency Coordination Centre.