Whereas the Province of British Columbia declared a state of emergency in response to the unprecedented wildfire activity in the province; And whereas the wildfire season has had significant negative economic impacts on British Columbia communities: Therefore be it resolved that the federal and provincial governments be requested to establish a minimum 1 billion recovery fund to assist British Columbia communities, including First Nations communities, impacted by the unprecedented record-breaking wildfire season of 2017 and that this fund be called the Rural Fire Recovery Fund 2017, with the federal and provincial governments encouraged to act quickly to provide financial assistance to encourage economic recovery in all BC communities impacted by wildfires in 2017.
Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations Rural Development The 2017 wildfire season in British Columbia was unprecedented, with over 1.2 million hectares burned and about 65,000 people displaced. The Province recognizes the hardships that individuals, families and small businesses faced this wildfire season. We are thankful for all of the work done by firefighters, emergency responders and volunteers to keep people safe. The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development is leading the provincial governments wildfire recovery efforts. Ministry staff are working closely with communities, First Nations and stakeholders to ensure that the provincial government provides the necessary supports. The BC government has allocated 100 million to the Canadian Red Cross to assist people affected by this years wildfires. The federal government provided another 38.6 million and the public has donated another 19.9 million. As part of Budget Update 2018, 140 million is being allocated over three years to assist with reforestation, wildlife habitat restoration, reduction of wildfire risks and the promotion of FireSmart principles. The Government is identifying funding needs to assist with wildfire recovery in four key areas: -People and communities -Economy -Environment -Infrastructure and Reconstruction
Ministry of Infrastructure and Communities The GTF offers flexibility for municipalities to apply their funds to one of 18 different categories. Unfortunately, at this time, irrigation for private use and fire recovery are not eligible categories.