District Receives $198,000 Through UBCM FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Program

The District of Sooke is pleased to announce that it has recently been awarded a successful UBCM FireSmart Community Funding and Supports Grant through the Community Resiliency Investment program for $198,000. This grant will fund FireSmart activities in the District, including the implementation of FireSmart mitigation strategies to help reduce our local wildfire risk and support community resiliency.

The FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program provides funding to local governments and First Nations in BC to increase community resiliency by undertaking community-based FireSmart planning and activities that reduce the community’s risk from wildfire.

“On behalf of Council and the community, I extend my appreciation to UBCM and the provincial funding partners to support Sooke’s FireSmart efforts,” says Mayor Maja Tait.

With the funding, the District will continue FireSmart education and community-based programs including the free FireSmart home assessment program, and initiate two new programs — a FireSmart Rebate program and new opportunities for yard waste/disposal events for residents. Details on each of these new programs are being finalized with more information anticipated early in the new year.

“Such program expansions provide an exciting opportunity for a new level of engagement and support. I look forward to a successful FireSmart program in collaboration with residents that will reduce the risk of wildfire and improve the safety of our community,” Tait says.