Supporting community wildfire prevention is one of the ways we help build a safer, more sustainable future for our communities. In partnership with FireSmart™ Canada and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), we are offering 10 grants of up to $15,000 each to help communities across Canada increase their resilience to wildfires through risk reduction or prevention activities.
The Community Resiliency Investment (CRI) program was announced by the provincial government in 2018 and is intended to reduce the risk of wildfires and mitigate their impact on BC communities. There are three streams available for funding:
Supports communities, society-run fire departments, First Nations, Post-secondary institutions, local governments, and Improvement districts located in the Columbia Basin Trust’s region. The initiative helps Basin communities to build local wildfire resiliency while recovering from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Program targets community forests in BC to complete wildfire risk reduction projects. The BC government has allocated over $5 million to the BCCFA to create or stimulate employment opportunities in 15 rural communities through the Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction projects. Unfortunately, funding for this year has closed. However, Community Forests interested in WRR work are encouraged to contact their local Districts to identify projects.
The Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant (MCRG) provides funding for municipalities (any municipality in Canada) towards effective, practical solutions that mitigate flood and wildfire risk. The MCRG funds initiatives up to $100 000 for one year. The most recent application submission cycle was from October 2021- to January 31, 2022. Focus areas of the grant are:
Wildfire prevention projects can qualify for funding from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC). Eligible applicants are Forest Tenure Holders, Non-Integrated manufacturers (e.g. pulp mills, Cogen facilities, chipping facilities etc.), First Nations governments, local governments and business entities performing or providing forestry services on behalf of the previous applicants. The funding and scope of proposals vary with each intake.
FNESS – ISC On-Reserve Operational Fuel Treatment Program – Wildland Fire Fighting Training, Equipment, Materials and Supplies. FNESS accepts applications supporting Wildland Fire Fighting crew development up to a maximum of $25,000.00.
The initiative supports First Nations communities who demonstrate completion of Wildland Fire Fighting Crew training/certification and development of wildland fire fighting contract crew’s or achieved standing offer contracts/agreements with BC Wildfire Service.
FireSmart Canada provides Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Awards through the national FireSmart Canada Community Recognition Program. The program offers grants to help community organizations fund local projects that help reduce the risk of wildfire damage to homes and neighbourhoods. Communities and organizations interested in planning a FireSmart project can apply for a $500 grant annually to support a National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day event held between May 4 and October 31 annually.
The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) aids a variety of applicants across Canada. Launched in 2018, the government of Canada has committed $2 billion over ten years to invest in structural and natural infrastructure projects to increase the resiliency of communities that are impacted by natural disasters.
To be considered eligible, projects must reduce the socio-economic, environmental and cultural impacts triggered by natural hazards and extreme weather events, considering current and potential future effects of climate change in communities and infrastructure at high risk. Projects can range from small-scale ($1 million – $20 million) or large-scale (projects exceeding $20 million). The assessment period closes in July 2022.
This project will help municipalities engage residents in their local climate action planning progress:
Application for this cycle has closed.
Intent of program is to support eligible applicants develop Evacuation Plans for local governments and First Nations that would be challenged to evacuate during an emergency. Maximum available funding is $25,000. Current application cycle is closed.
Intent of funding is to support local governments and First Nations purchase equipment and supplies required to maintain or improve Emergency Operations Centres (EOC) and to enhance EOC capacity through training and exercises.