The North Coast Regional District board received a completed Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan for rural districts near Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, on February 27, 2026. The new safety guide covers approximately 19,000 residents living across nearly 20,000 square kilometres and outlines how to better protect homes and land from forest fires.
Cait Van Vliet from B.A. Blackwell & Associates Ltd. presented the findings, which suggest updates to local rules for emergency preparation and fire prevention. The board is now reviewing these recommendations, which could lead to new requirements for managing bushes and trees near buildings and changes to local building zones.
This planning comes as Environment Canada predicts 2026 could be one of the hottest years on record for the province. Local leaders are watching the weather closely because low snow levels this year could increase the risk of dry conditions and drought during the upcoming summer months, following a 2025 season where over 886,000 hectares burned across British Columbia.
To help with these safety efforts, the provincial government recently added $15 million to the FireSmart Community Funding and Supports program. Since 2019, this program has provided over $71 million to 265 communities to help reduce fire risks and protect the most vulnerable areas.
