NEWS | SRD Launches FireSmart Homeowner Rebate Program for Village of Sayward
Limited spots available, applications are first come, first served, so APPLY TODAY !
(Campbell River, BC) –Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is now offering FireSmart Homeowner Rebates of up to $3,000 to properties located in the Village of Sayward.
FireSmart Rebates must be applied toward improvements and wildfire mitigation efforts within 30-metres of structures and recommended by a FireSmart Home Assessment. As many as 90% of structures damaged or destroyed during a wildfire are ignited by embers. In windy conditions, embers can be blown significant distances and create new fires kilometres away from the original wildfire.
“In 2023, embers from the West Kelowna wildfire blew 2.5 kilometres across Okanagan Lake and ignited multiple new fires on the east side. The lesson is clear: wind-driven embers can travel far and start fires in any community, including ours,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “The FireSmart Homeowner Rebate—available for eligible work around your home—gives residents a practical way to take action now.”
A range of mitigation activities may be eligible for FireSmart Rebates within 30-metres of a home, from having gutters cleaned and flammable vegetation removed to upgrading to fire-resistant siding, windows and/or roofing materials.
FireSmart Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding is available through the Community Resiliency Investment FireSmart Community and Funding Supports grant. The rebate is a 50% cost-share. For example, to receive $500, you need to complete $1,000 worth of work; to receive the maximum of $3,000, you need to complete $6,000 or more in mitigation efforts.
FireSmart Homeowner Rebates will also be available for properties in the Electoral Areas A, C and D as well as the Village of Zeballos in 2026. The Regional District will release promotional material about those community rebate programs when they begin.
For more information, please visit www.srd.ca/firesmart-rebate-program or contact Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator Kayla Holloway at wrr@srd.ca or 250-914-9234.
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Media Contact:
Shaun Koopman – SRD Manager, Emergency Services 250-830-6702 | skoopman@srd.ca