As nearly 3,000 firefighters are battling blazes in B.C.’s interior, the province is hoping some funding can mitigate potential hot spots in the Tri-Cities.
This week, forests minister Katrine Conroy announced just under $200,000 in grants for the cities of Port Moody and Coquitlam.
The money is earmarked for wildfire prevention and initiatives to help keep their respective communities safe should a blaze take place unexpectedly.
This was a slice of a more than $4.3-million pie for 42 Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments within the Coastal Fire Centre, known as the Community Resiliency Investment program.
Port Moody is receiving a total of $149,946, which is set to be put towards wildfire risk prevention in the form of education, planning, development and fuel management.
Also on the table are funds for inter-agency co-operation, emergency planning, cross-training, FireSmart demos and FireSmart for residential areas.
For Coquitlam, the city is getting $50,000 to assist with education and planning for possible fires.
"Mitigating wildfire threats is crucial to help safeguard people, homes and businesses throughout the province," said Conroy in a release.
"Since the Community Resiliency Investment program was established in 2018, our government has approved 366 grants to local governments and First Nations totalling over $37 million."
Via the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM), both Port Moody and Coquitlam put submissions forward for the investments.
As Port Moody made its case as a community with a higher risk of wildfires given the environment within its proximity, it received the maximum amount an application can receive.
Coquitlam has a lower wildfire risk and therefore, received the $50,000 maximum through the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports category.
Both cities currently have a “High” fire-risk rating and are encouraging residents to take all precautions.
You’re encouraged to visit the Port Moody and Coquitlam websites for safety tips and advice.
