03/03/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/03/2021 13:03
The B.C. government is investing $2.4 million to complete wildfire risk reduction projects in the Columbia Basin as part of its economic recovery plan to create jobs and help communities recover from COVID-19 impacts.
'Our government's support of this program will help mitigate wildfire threats and also provide training and employment opportunities,' said Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. 'Increasing wildfire resiliency in and around our communities is a key part of B.C.'s overall wildfire strategy.'
The funding will be allocated in partnership with Columbia Basin Trust, which will administer the program and distribute grants to the successful applicants.
StrongerBC: BC's Economic Recovery Plan provides employment and economic opportunities to support a wide range of projects throughout the province. The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development is responsible for economic recovery programs worth more than $100 million. Its support of wildfire risk reduction projects in the Columbia Basin is one component of that overall recovery strategy.
'StrongerBC programs are creating jobs and providing vital community support in all regions of the province, including the southeast,' said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. 'This funding will help people emerge from the pandemic on stronger footing by providing the training and work experience they need to return to the labour force.'
The partnership between the Province and Columbia Basin Trust was developed with the BC Wildfire Service to support activities related to the seven FireSmart disciplines.
'This is a tremendous opportunity for basin residents to expand their wildfire resiliency efforts through training, capacity building and fuel management,' said Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust. 'This collaborative effort with the Province of B.C. and the BC Wildfire Service to focus on our shared priorities means First Nations, municipal partners and rural communities and groups in the basin can identify wildfire interface risks and implement solutions that are community led.'
How it works:
The deadline to submit applications is 2 p.m. (Pacific time)/3 p.m. (Mountain time) on April 19, 2021.
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Stronger BC: BC's Economic Recovery Plan: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/
Columbia Basin Trust wildfire program: https://ourtrust.org/wildfire
FireSmart program: https://firesmartbc.ca/
Community Resiliency Investment Program: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/funding-for-wildfire-prevention/crip