Whereas the Province of BC faces ongoing and increased risk of wildfire, with more aggressive fires, that grow larger and threaten more lives and property each year; And whereas the Province spends hundreds of millions of dollars on wildfire suppression 263 millionyear - 10-year average; And whereas the amount dedicated to local governments for wildfire prevention via the Community Resilience Investment Grant is exponentially smaller 13 million in 2022; And whereas the existing grant process is onerous and resource intensive, whereby local governments must apply every year and compete for limited dollars, and does not allow for long term planning: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM work with the Province to dedicate additional grant funds to wildfire prevention and further ease and simplify the program, changing the process from a competition-based application process to an allocation-based formula to reduce red tape, and allow for future planning and more effective prevention-based response.
Ministry of Forests Starting in 2024, First Nations and local governments with a higher risk of wildfiregenerally demonstrated by risk class 1 to 3that have a FireSmart Position, participate in a Community FireSmart and Resiliency Committee, and have an acceptable Community Wildfire Resiliency PlanCommunity Wildfire Protection Plan will be eligible to receive FireSmart Community Funding and Supports for FireSmart activities through an allocation-based model. This will support communities with longer-term planning and reduce administrative burdens. Under the allocation-based model, recipients will be required to submit a brief allocation-based funding request form to confirm that the eligibility criteria have been met. If approved, recipients would receive an approval agreement which includes the terms and conditions of the grant. The Province continues to fund community wildfire resiliency through the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program in a risk-based, equitable, and transparent manner, as well as the Crown Land Wildfire Risk Reduction program. These funding programs are complimented by funding provided to the Community Forest Association, BC Cattlemens Association, Investment Agriculture Foundation, and is now working on a new funding agreement with the Federation of BC Woodlot Associations all of which focus on wildfire suppression areas adjacent to communities and critical infrastructure.