In response to increasingly severe wildfire seasons, Alberta has launched the Bow Valley Community Fireguard program near Canmore, aimed at reducing the risks of catastrophic wildfires.
With construction beginning in late fall 2024, the initiative is backed by $750,000 in provincial funding through the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta.
"The reality is that decades of fire suppression left our forests aging and vulnerable," said Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen.
"By working together with our at-risk communities, we are taking steps to increase wildfire resilience across Alberta.”
The Bow Valley has experienced extreme fire danger due to hot temperatures and dry conditions, with instances where fire bans have been enforced to lower risks.
For example, in July 2024, the area was on high alert with extreme fire behaviour potential.
The fireguard project involves mechanical tree removal and forest thinning around Canmore, designed to create a buffer zone that reduces the potential spread of wildfires.
Mayor of Canmore Sean Krausert highlighted the urgency of the project, saying, "Wildfire poses the greatest risk to Canmore, especially with hotter, longer, and more intense fire seasons."
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Town of Canmore, the Municipal District of Bighorn, and the Kananaskis Improvement District, with ongoing work planned over the next three to five years.
Elsewhere in Alberta, similar projects are underway or in planning stages. Fireguard construction continues in Whitecourt, planning in Hinton, and post-construction cleanup in Swan Hills to maintain wildfire protection.
Additionally, Alberta is expanding its firefighting workforce, providing specialized training at the Hinton Training Centre, and supporting local fire departments through mutual aid agreements.
In 2023, Alberta spent around $2.9 billion on fighting wildfires. This figure includes not only direct costs of firefighting but also includes expenses related to drought and agricultural disaster support.
