TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 29, 2025 Report No. FIRE-25-009
TO: Council
FROM: Matt Furlot, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve the acceptance of funding under the 2025 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program in the amount of $138,003.65, and that the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute any required grant agreements related to the successful application, as outlined in Staff Report No. FIRE-25-009.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Staff have secured $138,003.65 in funding through the 2025 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program, administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). This grant supports initiatives that strengthen wildfire preparedness and community resilience, including public education campaigns, interagency cooperation, emergency planning, and FireSmart activities for residential areas.
The funding provides full cost recovery and requires no additional municipal contribution beyond staff administration time. Accepting the grant will enable the Township to advance FireSmart initiatives that directly reduce wildfire risk. It will also enhance collaboration with regional partners and improve resident awareness and readiness.
BACKGROUND:
The Township of Esquimalt is exposed to increasing wildfire risk due to its location within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). Hotter and drier summer conditions linked to climate change further increase this risk.
The FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program, delivered by UBCM and funded by the provincial and federal governments, provides financial support for local governments to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen community resiliency.
Staff submitted an application to this program to advance FireSmart education, strengthen planning and cooperation with regional partners, and provide direct support to residential wildfire mitigation.
ANALYSIS:
The Township of Esquimalt has been awarded $138,003.65 under the 2025 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program. The approved initiatives include:
• Education ($54,683.65): Public awareness and education campaigns to promote FireSmart practices, including community outreach, materials, and engagement activities.
• Interagency Cooperation ($14,540): Regional collaboration initiatives to ensure consistency in wildfire mitigation and response planning.
• Emergency Planning ($10,305): Integration of FireSmart practices into municipal emergency planning processes and exercises.
• FireSmart Activities for Residential Areas ($18,605): Support for residential FireSmart activities to reduce structure and property vulnerability to wildfire.
These initiatives focus on community safety and resilience, community and First Nations engagement, climate changes and environmental impacts, and support recommendations from hazard assessments and FireSmart best practices.
OPTIONS:
1. (Recommended) That Council approve the acceptance of funding under the 2025 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program in the amount of $138,003.65, and that the Mayor and Corporate Officer be authorized to execute any required grant agreements related to the successful application, as outlined in Staff Report No. FIRE-25-009.
Rationale: Accepting the grant enables the Township to implement FireSmart initiatives that strengthen wildfire preparedness, enhance interagency cooperation, and increase public education at no cost to the Township.
2. That Council decline the FireSmart Community Funding & Supports Program grant.
COUNCIL PRIORITY:
1. Climate Resilience & Environmental Stewardship
2. Engaged and Healthy Community
3. Strong Relationships and Partnerships
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The FireSmart grant provides 100% cost recovery for the identified activities. There are no additional budget impacts to the Township beyond staff administration time. Each year the grant renews based on meeting continued requirements under the program.
COMMUNICATIONS/ENGAGEMENT:
No public engagement is required to proceed with the program funding.
TIMELINES & NEXT STEPS:
1. October, 2025 - Complete agreements for UBCM grant
2. November 2025 - Begin FireSmart initiatives
3. August 2026 - reporting and 2026 grant renewal process
REPORT REVIEWED BY:
1. Kristi Bilodeau, Acting Director of Finance
2. Deb Hopkins, Director of Corporate Services
3. Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2025 FireSmart Community Funding & Supports, Summary of Request