Canada invests to reduce likelihood of forest fires in Whistler

Whistler — Today, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and Arthur De Jong, Councillor of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, announced federal funding for a wildfire fuel treatment program in Whistler.

Climate modelling has revealed that longer, hotter, and drier summers are expected in B.C., with temperatures reaching record highs in recent years. With climate change posing an increased risk of wildfires, the Government of Canada is investing to protect the residents of Whistler.

The funding announced today will perform fuel management treatments to 12 high-risk forested areas in Whistler. The treatments will reduce the risk of wildfires and protect local communities, including the Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation. Once completed, the project will ensure that regional critical infrastructure and residential areas are protected, while increasing awareness and understanding of the wildfire risk posed to the area.

The Government of Canada is investing over $10.1 million in this project.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians