FireSmart rebates available for RDCO property owners

Property owners in the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) could qualify for rebates for FireSmart activities.

The rebates will be available for people in communities and neighbourhoods in the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas.

A maximum rebate of $500 is available to cover up to 50 per cent of the costs of labour and supplies for those who take the recommended FireSmart actions.

In order to qualify for a rebate, property owners must schedule an appointment with the RDCO FireSmart coordinator, who will provide a personalized property assessment with recommended actions to help reduce the potential fire hazard on the property.

The coordinator will also be able to answer any questions residents may have in regards to FireSmart practices and the rebates.

There are a limited number of rebates available, and property owners are encouraged to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Additionally, area residents are encouraged to undertake their own FireSmart actions, such as removing and managing vegetation and potential fuel around properties, to help protect their homes from fires.

The RDCO has received a $250,000 grant from the Union of B.C. Municipalities Community Resiliency Investment Fund for FireSmart Community Funding and Support. The RDCO is also contributing $30,000 to cover additional costs associated with the program and activities, including developing fuel management prescriptions for high priority areas in three regional parks and completing a fuel reduction project in Kalamoir Regional Park.