Village of Sayward: FireSmart Homeowner Rebate Program
The FireSmart BC Program is a provincial initiative aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire damage to homes, communities, and forests. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or community leader, following FireSmart principles helps build a wildfire-resilient British Columbia.
If you live in the Village of Sayward, you may be eligible for a fifty percent rebate for Firesmart activities you undertake on your property, up to $3,000. Follow the steps below to get started on making your home FireSmart and getting your rebate!
To participate in the rebate program
1) Book a FREE FireSmart Home Assessment
The free FireSmart Home Assessment is conducted by a Strathcona Regional District Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator. Book today at firesmartbcplatform.ca/request-home-inspection, or by contacting one of our Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinators directly at 250-914-9234 or wrr@srd.ca.
2) Develop a Work Plan
Your Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator will work with you to develop a FireSmart work plan based on your home assessment.
3) Complete your FireSmart work
You can choose to take action on all or some of the recommendations in the work plan. You can undertake these FireSmart activities by yourself, with help from friends and neighbours, or with hired contractors. The method you choose does not affect your eligibility for a rebate.
4) Submit your information and get a Follow-up Assessment
Your Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator will confirm that the work you completed meets FireSmart Standards.
5) Submit your information
Submit your:
- Work Hours Estimate Form for the time spent completing your FireSmart work.
- Photos, receipts and/or a description showcasing the wildfire mitigation work you have completed.
6) Receive your rebate
Upon verification of your FireSmart actions, we will issue you a fifty percent rebate up to a maximum of $3,000 per property.
FAQs
How do I know if I am eligible for a FireSmart Rebate?
Only people who own a residential property in the Village of Sayward are eligible for a FireSmart rebate.
Can I get a rebate if I have had a FireSmart Assessment completed in the past?
Yes you can, but you are only eligible for a rebate for work that you completed after being approved after this program’s start date (November 1st). If you had a FireSmart Assessment completed after January 2024, and have a copy of that assessment, you can proceed directly with developing a workplan with one of our Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinators.
How do I track my costs?
Track your expenses and time on the FireSmart Assessment Work Hours Estimate Form (provided by the Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator and linked above). Keep your receipts! Work can be done by hired contractors or yourself at a rate of $32.00/hour.
Why are certain areas not eligible for rebates?
Other communities within the SRD used their FireSmart grant funds for other wildfire risk reduction initiatives instead of offering rebates – such as hiring a FireSmart Crew Member or purchasing structural protection equipment for their fire departments.
How will I be paid?
Once the Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator verifies that all the requirements for the rebate have been met, your rebate will be processed. You will be paid via electronic reimbursement to your bank account. Payment typically takes up to 30 days from approval.
Do I have to spend a certain amount of money to get a rebate?
Yes, you must spend a minimum of $500 to receive a rebate.
How many rebates are available?
Rebates are available for residents of the Village of Sayward on a first come, first served basis. There are nine $3,000 rebates available, plus some additional money for people who apply for less money. Therefore, the number of rebates we can grant depends on how much money each individual property uses.
Contact
For more information about SRD’s FireSmart program please contact the Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator at 250-914-9234 or email wrr@srd.ca
Visit firesmartbc.ca to learn more about how to become resilient to wildfire.