Latest news with #FireSmart
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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
6 days ago
- 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 .
Edmonton Journal
28-05-2025
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
Banff Mineral Springs Hospital installs sprinklers to reduce wildfire threat
Article content 'We know how devastating a forest fire can be to a community and how important it is to protect key infrastructure including hospitals,' said site administrator Margie Smith in a Wednesday statement. 'The new fire protection at Mineral Springs Hospital increases site, patient and staff safety, and it also will allow firefighters to focus on protecting other parts of our community, knowing the hospital is largely self-sufficient.' The Banff hospital is the first health-care facility in Alberta to have such a system, said Smith, who hopes other facilities in the province and country will add them. Banff fire chief Keri Martens said embers from wildfire can be blown into town from kilometres away. 'The sprinkler system will help Banff firefighters protect critical infrastructure during an emergency,' said Martens in a statement. Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis said the Alberta government applauds Covenant Health's efforts to proactively protect critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of the hospital during wildfires. The Town of Banff has a roof sprinkler incentive program, through which eligible Banff homeowners can purchase a roof sprinkler kit at a reduced cost after a free FireSmart home inspection.
Hamilton Spectator
22-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Nakusp FireSmart coordinator shares local example of successful wildfire mitigation
Wildfire risk reduction (WRR) work can sometimes be a contentious topic, but the Village of Nakusp's FireSmart Coordinator has seen the benefit firsthand. Noel Ballard, who is also the Emergency Program Coordinator, spoke during a presentation on May 7 about a local example of successful WRR work. Last summer, the Komonko Creek wildfire swept through the Slocan Valley, burning intensely enough in some areas to scorch away the soil. However, one section near the Slocan Lake viewpoint (rest stop) received fuel mitigation treatment prior to the fire. That area burned much less intensely, Ballard told the Valley Voice, leaving soil and tree crowns intact. 'It's going to regenerate quite quickly, and it's actually going to come back healthier because of the fire,' he said. Wildfire risk reduction work can stir up controversy, since it can involve cutting down trees and strategic burning. And the goal is not necessarily to stop fires completely, but to reduce the intensity when one occurs. Less intensity means more of the forest is preserved, speeding up recovery. 'The local example in the Slocan Valley can help people get a better understanding of the point of the work, and its effects,' said Ballard. Ballard said one of the goals of WRR is to get forest ecosystems back into their natural cycles – part of which involves wildfires. BC Wildfire Service's approach in the '80s and '90s was to jump on forest fires and put them out immediately, he said. 'This leads to a build-up of forest fuels… What would naturally burn off during periodic, low-intensity fires has built up, which leads to high-intensity fires further down the road, which ultimately leads to an altered forest ecosystem,' he said. Ballard's FireSmart presentation was sponsored by Nakusp and Area Community Forest (NACFOR), which received almost $800,000 at the end of April from the Forestry Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to perform WRR work on a 73-hectare piece of land northeast of Nakusp. NACFOR recently completed phase one in Unit 5, near the Wensley Creek Cross Country Ski Trails. With FESBC's funding, the community forest will proceed to phase two, which includes mechanical and hand-thinning mitigation treatments to clear excess understory and limit a fire's ability to spread between trees. 'I think [NACFOR] has done a good job,' said Ballard, who has over a decade of experience in silviculture and firefighting. 'Coming from my perspective, it's very difficult to make projects happen and to get public buy-in. I'm fully on board with preserving the natural ecosystem and recreational values, but there's a balance. If you don't do [WRR] and then a fire rips through, you're much worse off.' NACFOR's fuel treatment areas around rural Nakusp integrate areas identified in the 2017 Community Wildfire Protection Plan. The goal is a wildfire fuel break around the Village in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) to improve public safety, protect infrastructure, and create a defensible space. Ballard described a past WRR project in the Wensley Creek area on a piece of land owned by the Village with several private water licences. People expressed concern about keeping the ecosystem intact. 'But the reality is that there had been similar fuel management work done on the exact same piece of land years ago. And that's what led to it being this pristine environment that they wanted to protect,' said Ballard. '[WRR] can be done in a way that preserves the ecosystem.' And the people's water sources. If the work isn't completed, a fire could rip through there eventually, he said. And when it does, water sources will be compromised for a long time. But if the work is done ahead of time, a fire will burn less intensely and have less of an impact on water systems. Wildfire resiliency also starts at home, said Ballard. He presented on the seven FireSmart principles and how individuals can take steps to protect their homes and communities. He encourages residents to sign up for a free home assessment, which offers recommendations on how to FireSmart a property. Rebates are available to offset the cost of FireSmart activities. Contact firesmart@ for more information.
