Community Engagement: Neighbourhood Recognition Program

 

Collective action amplifies wildfire resilience. The FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program encourages communities to:​

  1. Form Committees: Establish neighborhood groups dedicated to FireSmart initiatives.​

  2. Develop Plans: Assess risks and outline mitigation strategies with the help of a Neighborhood Recognition Program Specialist.​

  3. Host Events: Organize educational sessions, clean-ups, and other neighborhood activities that increase your neighborhoods resilience to wildfire and help build community.​

Participation not only enhances safety but also fosters community spirit. Here at the Biosphere we are ready to support residents and neighborhoods take action. We are working closely with the Town of Canmore to support neighborhood FireSmarting as it pertains to their annual timeline. See below for more details!

 
 

If you are a resident of Canmore, visit the Town of Canmore’s website to learn more about engaging in this program and FireSmarting your neighborhood! Below are the steps to becoming a recognized FireSmart Neighborhood and the associated timelines. Although many of these steps can take place year round, following this timeline ensures your neighborhood is taking action and prepared before the next wildfire season.

  • Complete your FireSmart 101 Training. It is a pre-requisite of being connected with a Neighbourhood Recognition Program Specialist.

  • Step 1:

    Become a Neighbourhood Champion. Every neighbourhood needs someone who is looking to improve their neighbourhood’s resilience to wildfire.

    The Neighbourhood Champion:

    • Leads the neighbourhood’s FireSmart Committee

    • Acts as a point of contact between the NRP Specialist and the commitee.

    • Creates a Neighbourhood Mitigiation Plan with the help of the committee.

    • With the help of the committee, hosts a FireSmart Canada education and/or clean up event

    • Submits the majority of the required documentation to becoming a recognized FireSmart Neighbourhood.

    The Biosphere can support you with these first steps and guide you through the process.

    Step 2:

    Contact the Town of Canmore by filling out the Neighbourhood Recognition Program Interest Formand get connected with a Neighbourhood Recognition Program (NRP) Specialist. 

    Step 3:

    Rally and recruit your neighbours to form a FireSmart Neighbourhood Committee.

    Not sure if your neighbourhood already has a champion or not sure how to recruit your neighbours? Contact us are we will help you connect with your neighbors, provide space and snacks for committee meetings, and walk you through the process of becoming a FireSmart Neighborhood!

  • Step 4:

    An assigned NRP Specialist will reach out to the Neighbourhood Champion to schedule a time to conduct a Neighbourhood Wildfire Hazard Assessment.

    Step 5:

    The NRP Specialist will work with the Champion to set up their neighbourhood’s NRP portal on the FireSmart Canada website.

    Step 6:

    Once the portal is active, the NRP specialist will upload the completed Neighbourhood Wildfire Hazard Assessment, which includes mitigation recommendations.

    Step 7:

    The Neighbourhood Champion/Committee reviews the Wildfire Hazard Assessment and mitigation recommendations to develop a plan for their community.

    Reach out to us and we can help you develop this plan!

  • Step 8

    Neighbourhood Champions/Committees are encouraged to annualy apply for the Neighbourhood Recognition Program Incentive through FireSmart Canada. 

    Applications for the NRP incentive open at the beginning of November; however Neighbour Champions/Committees must have completed a Wildfire Hazard Assessment and created a plan in advance of application. 

  • Step 9:

    Neighbourhoods activate their plan and schedule events as per their commitments. Once the events have concluded, the Neighbourhood Champion/Committee can apply for FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition. 

    The Biosphere can help you organize, market, and host events in your neighborhood!

    Step 10:

    Apply for Recognition. Once you have completed activities outlined in your plan you can apply for recognition! The Neighbourhood Champion/FireSmart Committee can apply for the FireSmart Canada Neighbourhood Recognition Status.

 
 

If you would like to become a neighborhood Champion, or you are curious to know if there is already a champion or committee in your neighborhood, please fill out this form and we will connect with you right away!

 
 

FireSmart Peaks

 

Canmore’s Peaks of Grassi neighborhood is participating in the neighborhood recognition program! They are doing incredible work to bring their neighbors together to ensure the community is more resilient. Check out their website for information on upcoming events, ways you can get involved, and resources to engage your neighborhood!