Title
Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta FireSmart Grant
Proposed Motion
That Administration be directed to submit to the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) an application for grant funding in the amount of $200,000 for the FireSmart program for Parkland County.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
Upon Council's approval, an application to the FRIAA FireSmart Program for $200,000 to be requested to support the FireSmart Program implementation in Parkland County.
Summary
Administration will be submitting an application under the FRIAA guidelines for the implementation of the FireSmart program to reduce risk from wildfire to homeowners and business in Parkland County. The grant objective will provide support for public education and coordination of activities such as FireSmart home assessments, community education events, neighborhood awareness workshops and neighborhood cleanup (fuel reduction) events.
Operational coordination of the grant objectives will be managed within the current staffing and budget resources in the 2023 Fire Services area. Community engagement and public information will be supported through the Communications team to ensure the maximum influence of the FireSmart program. The grant funding will be used to support costs for personnel associated with FireSmart activities.
There is in-kind support for this for this grant within existing Fire Services resources and 2023 operating budget allocations for public fire prevention education.
The application deadline is May 8th, 2023.
Historical Information:
N/A
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Grant funding supports risk reduction through fire safety education and public participation in preparing for wildfire events.
Financial Impact:
Cost: Current 2023 Fire Services Operational budget covers in-kind portion of the grant criteria.
Source of Funding: Grant