The Comox Valley FireSmart™ Collaborative, representing municipalities throughout the Comox Valley and electoral areas, has been awarded a grant through the Community Resiliency Investment program.

The grant is set to run from now until 2027 and is for approximately $1.8 million.

Committee Chair Ian Robertson says it means valuable FireSmart support activities to communities in Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, K’ómoks First Nation, and the electoral areas in the CVRD.

“The whole community benefits from work like this and we’re excited to begin using these funds for the safety and wellbeing of residents and visitors in the region.”

Will Cole-Hamilton, Chair of the Comox Valley Regional District Board, says with support secured through 2027, they are able to expand practical, on-the-ground FireSmart initiatives that help residents, neighbourhoods, and local governments reduce risk and strengthen preparedness.

The FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program is administered by the Union of BC Municipalities, funded by the Province of BC, and supported by the BC Wildfire Service.

As the year unfolds, the grant funds will help support tree/yard debris chipping events for neighbourhoods identified as high risk, the creation of a Demonstration Forest (to show the community what FireSmart properties look like), increased capacity to complete Home Ignition Zone Assessments, and supporting neighbourhoods to become FireSmart identified through the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Program.

You can stay up to date on current and future initiatives, by visiting Comox Valley Regional District.