2023 FireSmart Free Yard Wood Debris Pickup
Sunday October 1st by 9:00 am – Electoral Area D & Sayward & North Campbell River (Electoral Area A)
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is encouraging Electoral Area D and Electoral Area A (Sayward & North Campbell River) community members to FireSmart their properties by bringing excess yard wood debris to the end of driveways on Sunday October 1st by 9:00 am
Depending on how many residents participate, it may take a couple of days for the chipper to get to your property. Debris will be disposed of for free as part of the FireSmart Community Chipper program through the 2023 FireSmart Community and Funding Support Grant.
This service is offered later than previous years due to grant changes and when notification was provided to the SRD. No sign-up is required but if you feel your driveway may be hard to locate then please let us know and we’ll put you on a special list.
Wood Chipping Rules:
- No rocks, no nails, no roots & no treated lumber.
- Ideally all the “butt ends” of branches are pointed the same way so they can
- Tree trimmings must be under 16 cms in diameter and 10 m length max.
- No invasive species such as Scotch Broom, English Holly, Giant Hogweed and Knotweed.
- The contractor reserves the right not to pick up any piles that they feel does not meet these rules.
- Do not block traffic by piling debris on the road.
- Any debris brought to the end of driveways after 9 am on Oct 1st may not be picked up.
- Wood chips cannot be returned to residents as they are considered fuel under the FireSmart principles.
- As long as these rules are adhered to there is no limit as to the amount of wood debris that will be chipped.
For more information about how to better FireSmart your home and property, please visit www.srd.ca/emergency-preparedness.
2023 FireSmart Free Yard Wood Debris Pickup is only offered to the following community members:
- Electoral Area D
- Sayward & North Campbell River (Electoral Area A)
FAQS
Why is my area not getting the wood chipping service this year?
The FireSmart Community & Funding Supports Grant is the grant that is utilized for the wood chipping. This year different important activities are being done. Manson’s Hall on Cortes Island will be getting FireSmart Renovations supported by this grant. The Quadra Island portion of this grant will be used for wildfire fuel management prescriptions of 17.5 ha of Regional District owned land by the Quadra Island Community Centre in addition to Wildfire training for the Quadra Island Fire Department.
Why has wood chipping moved to the fall?
Two factors effect the timing of the wood chipping this year. The grant itself had changes and notification was later in the year. The other consideration in chipping the wood debris in the fall there is less disturbance of the breeding habitats of birds.
Can I put more wood out after 9am on October 1st?
Sadly no, the contractors are only stopping at each driveway once and will traveling their predetermined routes without back tracking.
My driveway is hard to see, how can I ensure that it is stopped at?
Please call 250-914-9230 or email preparedness@srd.ca to add yourself to our list of hidden wood piles.
CONTACT
Questions or comments, please contact: Casey Longhurst, SRD Protective Services Assistant
250-914-9230 | preparedness@srd.ca | www.srd.ca/emergency-management