Preventing possible fires on reserve, public and private lands.
The B.C. government is hoping to meet this goal — amid the start of wildfire season — by distributing a series of grants to begin activities to mitigate blazes and teach local residents how to safeguard their homes.
Three Tri-City communities are set to receive a combined $223,433 from a $4.3-million provincial pot earmarked for First Nations and local governments in the Coastal.
This includes the Tsleil-Waututh Nation ($26,555), City of Port Moody ($147,085) and Village of Belcarra ($49,793).
The Community Resiliency Investment grants (CRI) was complete via the latest application process through the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports category.
"Last year's devastating fire season highlighted the importance of implementing FireSmart activities around B.C. communities and, as we saw in Logan Lake, it can make a big difference," said forests minister Katrine Conroy in a news release today (April 19).
"In Budget 2022, our government committed $90 million in community grants to complete FireSmart initiatives and fuel-management activities that will help safeguard homes and communities from wildfire threats."
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation is set to use its money to provide education and planning for its community in preparation of any potential wildfire event.
Port Moody's six-figure cut, in addition to educating the public on how to be FireSmart, will also go towards more emergency planning efforts and interagency co-operation.
Belcarra is slating its share for cross-training, fuel management and development considerations.
"Mitigating wildfire threats is a shared responsibility of the provincial government, local governments, First Nations, industry, stakeholders and individual British Columbians," the province further states.
"The CRI program helps increase community resiliency by funding activities that promote FireSmart education, planning and opportunities for partnerships through regional FireSmart committees."
A total of 45 First Nations and local governments in the Coastal Fire Centre — which includes those in the Tri-Cities — were shortlisted as CRI grant recipients.
You can click here to learn more about the program.
