SLRD offers free FireSmart program in Electoral Areas

Rebates available for a limited time, to eligible property owners

Pemberton, BC– With support from the Union of BC Municipalities, through the Community Resiliency Investment Program, and help from locally-based Landscope Consulting, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is kicking off its 2023 FireSmart program with free activities for all Electoral Area residents.

The SLRD is encouraging every resident to take part in FireSmart activities and help mitigate the risk of wildfire on their property and in their community.

“This is really important work, and we’d like to see as much participation as possible,” said Electoral Area C Director, Russell Mack, Chair of the Electoral Area Directors (EAD) Committee. “Wildfire is a risk to the entire region, and every one of us has a part to play in helping to reduce that risk,” he said.

Beginning in April, property owners in Electoral Areas A, B, C, and D can receive a free FireSmart Home Assessment, conducted by a qualified Local FireSmart Representative (LFR).

“FireSmart practices protect our individual properties, and help mitigate wildfires in our region," said Electoral Area A Director, Sal DeMare. “A little bit of work can really pay off in the long run – the assessment is free, and there are rebates available to help with the cost of the work; there’s really no reason to not participate in this program.”

“We have all witnessed the devastation that wildfire can cause,” added Electoral Area B Director, Vivian Birch-Jones. “Doing some work now, to mitigate that risk, can make all the difference when wildfire is approaching.”

The FireSmart assessment takes about 90 minutes and provides homeowners with a detailed report identifying risk factors specific to their homes and property, a list of recommendations for mitigation work, and tips for FireSmart landscaping and emergency preparedness.

“Wildfire may be something we have come to expect, but that just gives us all the more reason to be prepared, as best as possible,” said Electoral Area D Director, Tony Rainbow. “No one will regret taking the necessary steps to protect their home from the risk of wildfire.”

To book an assessment, email: firesmart@slrd.bc.ca or call 604-894-6371 extension 262.

FireSmart Rebate

For a limited time, SLRD Electoral Area residents can receive up to $500 in rebates for completing FireSmart work on their primary residence, based on recommendations from a qualified LFR.

“The Rebate Program is always very popular in the SLRD and we are thrilled to offer it again this year. For many homeowners, FireSmart work can get costly; this is our way of recognizing that commitment and motivating residents to get started on this important work,” said Maude Lussier, Wildfire Mitigation Lead at the SLRD.

To Participate in the FireSmart Rebate Program:

• Step 1: Book a free assessment.
• Step 2: Complete some or all of the FireSmart recommendations made by the LFR, within 60 days of assessment date. Log work hours and save receipts if hiring help.
• Step 3: Book a post-work visit with the LFR, submit a completed copy of the Recommended Activities Form and all applicable receipts.

The number of rebates available is limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis.

More information about FireSmart and the rebate program is available on the SLRD website: www.slrd.bc.ca/FireSmart

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About the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District

Located in southwestern BC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is a local government federation consisting of four member municipalities (the District of Lillooet, the District of Squamish, the Village of Pemberton and the Resort Municipality of Whistler) and four unincorporated, rural electoral areas (A, B, C, and D). Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a wide range of local, regional and sub-regional services to approximately 50,496 residents (2021 Census as certified by the Minister of Municipal Affairs).

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is found within the traditional territories of several First Nations, including the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), St'át'imc and Lil'wat. Small parts of the SLRD also overlap with the traditional territories of the Stó:lō, Tsleil-Waututh, Nlaka'pamux, Tsilhqot'in, and Secwepemc Nations. While the SLRD does not provide direct services to the residents of the First Nations communities located within the region, the organization is committed to enhancing relations with the Indigenous communities and First Nations within whose territories the SLRD operates.