The District of Coldstream is vulnerable to fires, and council is looking to continue funding its FireSmart program to reduce the fire risk. 

At its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 24, Coldstream council authorized staff to apply for grants worth up to $400,000 from the UBCM Community Resiliency Investment Program 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ” 2025 FireSmart Community Funding and Supports. 

If the grant application is successful, Coldstream would receive $200,000 per year over two years to continue to fund its FireSmart program and to implement wildfire resiliency strategies and projects. Funding would also support a FireSmart coordinator position. 

A report to council says Coldstream has a Class 1 fire risk ranking, which is the highest risk class in the province. 

"As Coldstream is an interface community, there is a higher likelihood of wildfire with potential impacts to both residents and businesses," the report states. "Furthermore, given that the North Okanagan is at high risk for wildfire, and that wildfire is not respectful of geographic boundaries, participation in FireSmart activities is considered a regional commitment."

Given the local fire risk, administration recommended applying for grant funding to improve FireSmart efforts in the community.

The district is eligible to apply for the following: 

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ A FireSmart coordinator position

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ FireSmart outreach and education

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Interagency cooperation and cross training

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Assessment of critical infrastructure, green spaces and private homes

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Vegetation mitigation and chipping programs

91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ¢ Planning

The FireSmart coordinator is a temporary full-time position that is a requirement of the grant funding and would be fully funded for the two-year term if the district's application is successful. It is currently unknown what would happen with the position after the two years. 

The Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan is currently in the final stages of review. It identifies hazards, risks and vulnerabilities; recommends FireSmart opportunities; provides recommendations to make Coldstream more fire resilient; and creates an action plan that will guide council and administration in identifying priorities for future FireSmart activities, while setting out the FireSmart coordinator's work plan for 2025 to 2027.