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Wildfire Mitigation Strategy approved by council

Last Updated Jan 31, 2018 at 6:36 am MDT

PHOTO. Supplied. FireSmart is a national program adopted in communities across Canada aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire in interface zones where the urban setting meets environments prone to wildfire.

A new Wildfire Mitigation Strategy was adopted by council Tuesday night in a unanimous vote.

Regional Fire Chief Jody Butz and Stew Walkinshaw of Montane Forest Management presented the new strategy, which hasn’t been updated since 2010, when it was first created.

The strategy outlines 15 practical, operational and outcome-based recommendations, including vegetation management, improved infrastructure options that meet FireSmart recommended guidelines and prohibiting planting of evergreen trees and shrubs and the use of wood chips within 10 metres of any structures.

The adoption of the strategy addresses all seven disciplines of FireSmart, as recommended in the KPMG report Lessons Learned from the 2016 Horse River Wildfire.

Walkinshaw said the strategy is based on community responsibility, multi-agency collaboration and an outcome-based approach.

“FireSmart needs to be the fabric of our community from now until forever.”

FireSmart initiatives in the municipality have been funded for the next three years by the 2015 FireSmart Community Grant, 2016 FRIAA Grant, Government of Alberta Grant and Canadian Red Cross Grant to total $15,130,000.

The strategy is a plan that will need to be reviewed and updated every five years to be sure it’s based on current conditions.

Those who are rebuilding, repairing or upgrading their homes should consult the FireSmart Home Development Guide to learn how to reduce the risk of wildfire.

Lastly, council heard the proposal to host the 2020 Canada 55+ Games, which is a four day sports event held in late August or early September.

Feedback from key community stakeholders identified benefits such as raising the profile of our region and boosting tourism and local economy.

Council also approved the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan and unanimously supported the request from the Advisory Committee on Aging to send a letter of support reaffirming their support of becoming an Age Friendly Region according to the World Health Organization.