DocumentsStaff ReportApr 19, 2021Pages 113–114
Staff Report: Community Wildfire Preparedness – UBCM FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund (Fire)
Fire department staff report regarding participation in UBCM's FireSmart Economic Recovery fund and related community wildfire preparedness initiatives.
Key facts
- Program: UBCM FireSmart Economic Recovery fund
- Pages: 113-114
- Subject: Community wildfire preparedness measures and funding
Staff Report: Community Wildfire Preparedness – UBCM FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund (Fire)
2nd Floor · 877 Goldstream Avenue · Langford, BC Canada · V9B 2X8
T · 250-478-7882 F · 250-478-7864
Date: April 19, 2021
Department: Fire Rescue
Subject: Community Wildfire Preparedness – UBCM FireSmart Economic Recovery fund
Background
Langford Fire Rescue is applying for UBCM’s FireSmart Economic Recovery Fund to hire two co-op students for six months to perform FireSmart assessments of City properties. These assessments will provide the City with a detailed understanding of our interface wildfire risk, and guide future mitigation initiatives. This funding will be used to achieve multiple goals: create two jobs for young adults -an age category heavily impacted by high unemployment during COVID-19- and work towards improving wildfire resiliency in the community.
Wildfire remains one of the biggest risks for the City of Langford. In 2020, with funding provided by UBCM, Langford completed a Commenity Wildfire Protection Plan, which made recommendations for continued improvements to manage the City’s wildfire risk. One of the top recommendations was to assess the wildfire risk around city properties and facilities and develop fuel treatment prescriptions. Support from Council will help Langford continue the important work of wildfire mitigation in this area.
A Council resolution of support is a requirement of the funding application.
Financial Implications
There are no direct financial implications as 100% of the cost of eligible activities will be contributed by UBCM funding.
Options
That Council:
Resolves to support an application by the City for the Community Wildfire Preparedness – UBCM FireSmart Economic Recovery fund, in the amount of $28,610.00, and authorize the Mayor and Corporate Officer to execute any agreements related to a successful grant application;
OrNot provide a resolution in support of the Community Wildfire Preparedness – UBCM FireSmart Economic Recovery fund application.
Respectfully submitted
Submitted by:
Chris Aubrey, Fire Chief
Concurrence:
Marie Watmough, Manager of Legislative Services
Concurrence:
Donna Petrie, Manager of Business Development and Events
Concurrence:
Michael Dillabaugh, CPA, CA, Director of Finance
Concurrence:
Braden Hutchins, Director of Corporate Services
Concurrence:
Darren Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer