Latest news with #FireSmart
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
N.S. and P.E.I among provinces to commit funding to federal wildfire program
Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island were among the seven provinces and territories to join the federal government in a $104 million commitment to wildfire prevention and resilience efforts through the Government of Canada's Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program. 'FireSmart Canada is a key part of our national wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts,' said Natural Resources Canada in a news release. 'The funding announced today will help enhance FireSmart programming and support the provinces and territories in increasing capacity and assisting community-based projects to help prevent wildfires and mitigate their impacts, including Indigenous communities that are disproportionately threatened by wildfires.' The Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) leads the FireSmart program. The federal government will spend $9.1 million over five years on the RCF program through the centre. Nova Scotia's Minister of Natural Resources said Wildfire is everyone's responsibility. 'Through our partnership with the federal government, we're continuing to help people adopt the FireSmart principles around their homes and in their communities so we can avoid the devastation and upheaval that wildfires can cause,' said Minister Tory Rushton. Canada and Nova Scotia will spend an additional $821,130 over fiver years through the RCF program. Canada and Prince Edward Island will each spend an additional $510,000 over four years. 'It is great to see more Islanders and local communities embracing FireSmart principles, and we are committed to increasing our prevention, mitigation and response efforts,' said Gilles Arsenault, Prince Edward Island's Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Canada Announces Major Investments to Improve Resilience Against Wildfires
OTTAWA, ON, June 12, 2025 /CNW/ - Wildfire season is in full effect across much of Canada, with many Canadians currently facing severe wildfire conditions. The Government of Canada, along with the provinces, territories and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), is seized with the importance of supporting Canadians whose lives and livelihoods are at stake. Today, the Governments of Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba, together with the CIFFC, announced a total investment of $104 million through the Government of Canada's Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program. FireSmart™ Canada is a key part of our national wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. Led by CIFFC, the program identifies and reduces wildfire risks and provides actionable guidance for homeowners and communities. The funding announced today will help enhance FireSmart™ programming and support the provinces and territories in increasing capacity and assisting community-based projects to help prevent wildfires and mitigate their impacts, including Indigenous communities that are disproportionately threatened by wildfires. These investments are strengthening the federal government's actions and efforts to enhance and expand wildfire prevention and mitigation across all levels of government. By working together with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and international allies, the Government of Canada continues to support the fight against wildfires in communities across the country. Quotes "No Canadian should have to worry about a wildfire threatening their community — but as extreme weather increases, the Government of Canada is providing provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and partners with the support they need to fight wildfires. I would like to thank all Canadians, especially first responders, for working to protect one another. The federal government stands with you and is working to build resilience for this wildfire season, and the future." The Honourable Tim HodgsonMinister of Energy and Natural Resources "Across Canada and around the world, climate change is forcing us to change how we think about wildfires — I see this in every community I visit in British Columbia. Preventing wildfires is a shared responsibility, and the only way forward is by working together. From supporting grassroots community projects and education, to expanding government's role in building a safer, more-resilient future, our shared investment with the Government of Canada is testament to a whole-of-society approach for living with wildfire." The Honourable Ravi Parmar British Columbia Minister of Forests "Building wildfire resilience involves an approach focused on prevention, mitigation and being ready to respond to wildfires threatening our homes and communities. This investment will help communities apply FireSmart principles that will enhance collaboration, build greater awareness and help reduce wildfire risk." The Honourable Todd Loewen Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks "Preparing for the threat of wildfire is a shared responsibility — we all have a part to play. FireSmart's practical, effective and science-based programs help residents reduce the risk of wildfires in our communities and ensure residents are better prepared when wildfires occur. Through the FireSmart program, we will continue our ongoing work with Newfoundland and Labrador communities to help keep our residents safe." The Honourable Lisa DempsterNewfoundland and Labrador Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture "Canadians — especially those of us in the North — are focused on preparing for wildfires. This investment, from both our government and the Government of Canada, will support important wildfire prevention efforts in the Yukon. This includes developing Community Wildfire Protection Plans and a territorial prevention and mitigation strategy; constructing large-scale fuel breaks and improving our training; and modelling and risk assessment. Together, we are building wildfire-resilient communities across the Yukon." The Honourable Richard MostynYukon Minister of Community Services "Wildfire is everyone's responsibility, and we thank Nova Scotians for their vigilance that's helping keep our people and our communities safe. Through our partnership with the federal government, we're continuing to help people adopt the FireSmart principles around their homes and in their communities so we can avoid the devastation and upheaval that wildfires can cause." The Honourable Tory Rushton Nova Scotia Minister of Natural Resources "Prince Edward Island is in a good position to respond to fire thanks to local, provincial and federal support that we are using to continually build our wildland fire fighting capacity. It is great to see more Islanders and local communities embracing FireSmart principles, and we are committed to increasing our prevention, mitigation and response efforts." The Honourable Gilles Arsenault Prince Edward Island Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Action "As Manitobans bravely pull together to battle one of the most challenging fire seasons in recent memory, wildfire preparedness is more crucial than ever. We thank and honour the incredible work of our wildfire service, local firefighters, Indigenous and municipal leadership and members of the public who are working together to ensure that the thousands of displaced residents remain safe and healthy. The entire government of Manitoba strongly supports any and all initiatives that recognize the need for investing in firefighting preparedness, and we congratulate the federal government on its continuing efforts to address the needs of firefighters and evacuees." The Honourable Ian Bushie Manitoba Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures "Through this funding, Canadians will be in a better position to protect themselves from the dangers of wildland fire. By working together, using the core FireSmart principles, we can become more resilient and more prepared to face the challenges ahead." Kelsey WinterExecutive Director of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Quick Facts The Government of Canada is providing $9.1 million over five years to the CIFFC under the RCF program. This is in addition to the $1.2-million investment provided to the CIFFC that started in 2023–24 and was announced on May 9, 2024. Canada and British Columbia are each providing an additional $17.9 million over five years through the RCF program. This is in addition to the $950,122 joint investment between Canada and British Columbia that started in 2023–24 and was announced on September 18, 2024. Canada and Alberta are each providing $17.9 million over four years through the RCF Program. Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are each providing $6.4 million over four years through the RCF program. The Government of Canada is providing $5.5 million and the Government of Yukon $1.8 million over four years through the RCF program. Canada and Nova Scotia are each providing an additional $821,130 over five years through the RCF program. This is in addition to the $3.9-million joint investment between Canada and Nova Scotia that started in 2023–24 and was announced on October 1, 2024. Canada and Prince Edward Island are each providing $510,300 over four years through the RCF program. Canada and Manitoba are each providing a contribution of $150,000 through the RCF program. Discussions are ongoing to conclude a multi-year agreement. Visit for a complete list of links to various federal supports for individuals impacted by wildfires. Related Products Backgrounder: Canada Announces Major Investments to Improve Resilience Against Wildfires Ministers present 2025 Wildfire Season Forecast - Associated Links FireSmart Canada Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy Canada's National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy - Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) Forest Fire Season – Newfoundland and Labrador Learn how we reduce wildfire risk | FireSmart | Government of Prince Edward Island Manitoba Wildfire Information Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Canadian Wildland Fire Information System: Monthly and Seasonal Forecasts Wildfires (Public Safety Canada) Contacts Natural Resources CanadaMedia Relations343-292-6096media@ Carolyn Svonkin Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural Ministry of Forests Government of British Columbia Media Relations250 380-8491 Neil Singh Press Secretary, Forestry and Parks Government of Alberta (587) 385-9649 Linda SkinnerFisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Government of Newfoundland and Labrador709-637-2284lindaskinner@ Julia Duchesne Communications, Community Services Government of Yukon 867-332-4188 Adèle Poirier Communications Director Department of Natural Resources 902-430-0997 Katie Cudmore Communications Officer, Environment, Energy and Climate Action Government of Prince Edward Island 902-314-3996 Katiecudmore@ Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures Government of Manitoba newsroom@ (media requests for general information) cabcom@ (media requests for ministerial comment) Alexandria Jones Acting Communications ManagerCanadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre media@ Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada View original content:
Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
SLRD rezones part of the Callaghan for adventure tourism, eyes recreation upgrades in Area C
The Sea to Sky's ski and snowboard season may have mostly wrapped, but the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) still has plenty of exercise and outdoor adventure issues to tackle. To start, during a May 28 board meeting, the regional district voted to raise user fees at the Pemberton Fitness Centre. Fees have risen annually—at increasing rates—since 2021. The 2025-26 year will include a five-per-cent increase to user fees to reflect rising wages, contractor expenses, an elevated consumer price index and a decrease in space usage as long-term rentals have transitioned into their own spaces . A list of fees for the upcoming year can be found towards the bottom of a report to the SLRD's board . These fees take effect Sept. 1. The SLRD is moving ahead on a proposed rezoning of portions of the Brandywine Creek and Callaghan Valley areas to allow local operator, Blackcomb Snowmobile Ltd. (BSL), to continue operating on Crown land as an adventure tourism operator. BSL has licence to operate on the Crown lands through to the end of 2036, but has to abide by SLRD bylaws which require it to hold a six-year Temporary Use Permit (TUP). That TUP expired last year, prompting the company to seek a permanent rezoning of the tenure . The company's TUP permitted dog-sled tours, snowcat skiing tours, office facilities, equipment repair and storage, fuel storage, dog kennels, a staging area and a hut for backcountry guest warming and food service on 2,491 hectares of land south of Whistler. The rezoning would change the lands from a Rural Resource 4 zone, where motorized recreation and auxiliary commercial uses are prohibited, to a Backcountry Commercial 6 zone that would allow BSL's current uses along with a handful of proposed operations—notably, the addition of three housing units for staff. Following a board discussion on the rezoning application in 2024, BSL returned with an amended proposal that included a discussion of the socioeconomic impacts (60 jobs and 12 contractor positions), confirmation from a qualified environmental professional that the rezoning held no danger to the local landscape, a guarantee of sled dogs' welfare, a waste management strategy, incorporation of the SLRD's FireSmart principles and consideration of how the Cheakamus Community Forest's management plan applies to the rezoning. The original submission was also amended to exclude a proposed helipad. Squamish Director Chris Pettingill expressed concern over a lack of recent endorsement of the endeavour from Squamish Nation; there was a letter of support for BSL's activities issued in 2017, but nothing since. SLRD planner Anna Koterniak said the regional district reached out to the Nation on the rezoning application, but has yet to receive a response. She also confirmed BSL hadn't made a separate effort to reach out. The SLRD gave third reading and adopted the rezoning. Another BSL tenure expansion has been under provincial review since 2017, and will require a separate rezoning effort should it move forward. Pemberton resident Gus Cormack wrote the SLRD to advocate for the reinstatement of a pedestrian and cycling bridge at the Birkenhead River, which would connect Mount Currie's new site and Owl Ridge with the Friendship Trail via the Birkenhead FSR. 'The absence of a non-motorized river crossing at this location represents a missed opportunity to connect communities and promote safe, healthy, and sustainable transportation options,' wrote Cormack . 'A dedicated bridge would significantly enhance access for cyclists, pedestrians, and families, and it would further unify the region's growing trail network.' Area C director Russell Mack recalled the original bridge, installed by the Pemberton Wildlife Association, had been 'a challenging operation,' and recommended that staff develop a cost estimate for the endeavour. Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman flagged prior opposition from the Owl Ridge community to projects that risked increasing traffic through their area and mixed feelings from the Nation about the bridge. The Board elected to have staff review the request and check in with the Nation on where they stand on a potential new bridge. And in the waning minutes of the meeting, the board took up a $20,000 funding request for repairs on the Brian Waddington Hut . The hut, built in 1988 and managed by the University of British Columbia's Varsity Outdoor Club (VOC), is located on the shore of Long Lake, near the peaks of Mount Aragorn, Shadowfax, Galdalf and Peregrine. Accessing the backcountry building from Pemberton requires a 10-kilometre hike with about 1,000 metres of elevation gain. The BC Mountaineering Club (BCMC) estimates at least 1,845 users in 2024—but adds the estimate is likely low because many visitors don't sign in. Following work to replace the roof last year, the BCMC reports that 'a massive amount of rot in the walls' was found, requiring funding to repair the building. The BCMC requested $20,000 to allow the VOC to complete its work this summer. Mack moved to have the money come from Area C amenity funds. SLRD's chief administrative officer, Heather Paul, added the funds would be provided once the SLRD confirms the BCMC's non-profit status. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
SLRD launches free FireSmart wildfire mitigation assessments for residents
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has launched a FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program (WMP) in all four of its Electoral Areas, providing residents with access to free professional wildfire risk assessments to improve the area's overall wildfire resiliency. 'Our staff working throughout the region have heard from homeowners who are asking us to offer the WMP,' said SLRD board chair Jen Ford in a release. 'Our FireSmart team has taken all necessary training and is now ready to offer this comprehensive program to our residents. 'We hope homeowners will take advantage of this free program to make their homes more resilient to wildfires.' The WMP provides a professional, on-site assessment of a property, tailored recommendations on mitigation actions in a follow-up report and potential FireSmart certification that can lead to insurance benefits. It builds on the more general Home Ignition Zone Assessment (HIZA) that is already available to SLRD residents. Both the WMP and HIZA are available, free, to residents. Rebates of up to $5,000 are also available to residents who complete eligible fire mitigation work. The SLRD also warned residents to be wary of scammers claiming to represent FireSmart BC or the Regional District offering wildfire protection products or services. And while there have only been a handful of reported incidents in B.C. over the last few years , scammers have been known to use wildfire preparedness clinics and evacuation orders to exploit people. 'We want to emphasize to our residents that our FireSmart program is delivered exclusively by trained SLRD staff and upon request only,' said Ford. 'We never solicit services or information over the phone, and we don't sell products or services. 'Assessments like the WMP are scheduled only when the homeowner has reached out directly to request one. If residents encounter individuals misrepresenting themselves, please contact us so we can address the situation.' The WMP is already offered in Whistler , Pemberton and Squamish . Residents can request a WMP assessment through the SLRD's FireSmart's website, here . Residents can also phone 604-384-7323 or email firesmart@ to schedule an assessment or get more information about either program. To learn more, visit the SLRD's FireSmart page . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
Blue River hosts FireSmart coordinator
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District's FireSmart Coordinator, Dan Funk, shared tips on reducing wildfire risk – as well as hot dogs and firefighting stories – with Blue River residents on the afternoon of May 22nd. Communities in the TNRDregularly invite Funk to educate residents on wildfire risk reduction, he said. His 25 years of experience in fighting fires comes in handy, giving him a keen eye for features on a building or the surrounding landscape which may catch fire. 'Your house isn't going to burn down because of a forest fire – your house is going to burn down from the embers thrown by a forest fire,' he said. In particular, Funk urges residents to make sure any gaps leading into their attic or deck are protected. A home's soffit – the material underneath the edge of the roof – often has holes or vents which embers can blow into, according to Funk. Once that happens, it's only a matter of time before an ember enters the attic and sets the top floor of a home ablaze – resulting in a structural fire that volunteer forces like the Blue River Volunteer Fire Department are not equipped to fight. 'I always start at the top [during assessments], and what's on your roof,' he said. 'We can all fight ground fires, but once a fire gets in the attic, it's up top… it's a different type of fire.' Other common culprits include outdoor furniture and the space underneath a raised deck, Funk added. He suggests taking outdoor cushions inside after using them, and says three-millimeter wire mesh can be applied behind or over the lattice underneath decks to prevent embers from getting underneath. Wooden decks should also be kept hydrated, meaning owners should paint or stain them, he added. Landscaping is another important tactic to protect homes during wildfires, according to Funk. Residents don't have to fall all the trees in their yard, but they should take care to remove any branches or long grasses within a five-foot radius from their home. Additionally, trees should be pruned to about six feet (two meters) above the ground, to ensure dead or low-hanging branches do not catch fire and serve as a pathway to light up the whole tree. Blue River residents can request a FireSmart assessment for free from the Regional District, allowing Funk to visit their property and make recommendations on how to improve a home's chance of surviving a wildfire. According to him, a home with good FireSmart practices in place has about a 92 per cent chance of surviving a fire, even if neighbouring homes burn. Funk said communities in the regional district are typically receptive to his FireSmart recommendations, and added that B.C. residents can learn more about FireSmart at . 'It's all about preventing loss,' Funk said. 'The assessments are about just saving people's homes from burning.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
