As wildfires, drought, and extreme weather become more common, we all have a role to play in preparing our homes and neighbourhoods. This month’s newsletter highlights local initiatives and practical actions you can take to strengthen climate readiness and community safety.
Living FireSmart
There are currently 725 wildfires burning across Canada, including 61 in Alberta. This highlights the urgent need for wildfire preparedness. FireSmart is a proven, community-driven approach to reducing wildfire risk. By taking simple actions at home, participating in neighbourhood programs, and building local partnerships, we can work together to create fire-resilient communities and protect the places we love.
The Home Ignition Zone
Wildfire risk starts at your doorstep. The Home Ignition Zone refers to the 30-metre area around your home where smart choices can make the biggest impact. It’s divided into three zones, each with specific actions you can take to reduce the chance of ignition. Start close to home by clearing flammable materials within 1.5 metres of your walls, then work outward to create a fire-resistant buffer.
Homes are often ignited by wind-blown embers rather than direct contact with the wildfire itself. These embers can travel several kilometres and ignite roofs or flammable materials in your yard. Consider implementing the following FireSmart strategies:
Roofing: Use fire-resistant materials and keep your roof clear of leaves and debris.
Yard Maintenance: Regularly remove dry leaves, pine needles, and other flammable materials.
Vegetation Management: Trim trees and shrubs, especially within 10 metres of buildings, to create a defensible space.
For a comprehensive guide, check out the FireSmart Fact Sheet. You can also refer to this last-minute checklist for protecting your home and property.
Community Fireguard
The Bow Valley Community Fireguard is a multi-year wildfire mitigation project led by the Town of Canmore, in partnership with the MD of Bighorn and Kananaskis Improvement District, and with support from Alberta Forestry and Parks. It aims to reduce wildfire risk by creating a fuel break between forests and developed areas.
These strategically located fireguards:
Reduce wildfire intensity and slow its spread near communities
Create safer zones for wildfire response
Are designed using ecological best practices to maintain wildlife corridors and native biodiversity
What's Happening Now
Phase 2 construction begins August 18, 2025, in the Canmore Nordic Centre. This includes tree thinning and fuel removal across 82 hectares. Residents can expect trail closures, smoke, and visible landscape changes while work is underway.
The Community Fireguard demonstrates FireSmart principles at a broader, landscape level. While it helps reduce wildfire risks across the valley, it works best when combined with efforts at the household and neighborhood scale.
How the Biosphere is Supporting FireSmart in the Bow Valley
Thanks to generous support from the G7, we have partnered with the Town of Canmore to support residents and neighborhoods become FireSmart!
We are developing a door knocking campaign that will help educate residents about FireSmarting their own properties and neighborhoods. We are currently seeking volunteers who are passionate about community resilience and enjoy connecting with others to help with an 8 week door knocking campaign that will begin in August. Click here to learn more about the opportunity!
We are also offering support to any Canmore resident who would like to learn more about the FireSmart Neighborhood Recognition Program, wants to connect with their neighbors, or host a neighborhood event. If you have questions or want support FireSmarting your neighborhood, please connect with us!
Water Conservation
Current Water Restrictions
From July 14 to September 26, Phase 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions are in place in Canmore to support essential repairs on the Spray Canal. During this time, the Town has shifted to using the downtown pumphouse, which draws from groundwater, to maintain clean and reliable drinking water. To help manage water demand, residents are asked to follow these Phase 1 restrictions:
No filling of ponds or fountains
Sprinkler use is limited to 2 hours, one day per week between 7 p.m and 9 a.m.
Reducing Water Usage
Reducing your water use at home and in your yard is one of the simplest ways to support drought resilience in the Bow Valley. From landscaping choices to daily habits, there are many easy ways to cut back while still meeting your needs and supporting a healthy watershed.
Easy and practical ways to reduce water usage include:
Fix leaks promptly - A leaking toilet or tap can waste thousands of litres a year. Try a simple food coloring test to check your toilet tank for leaks.
Install low-flow fixtures - Faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads can reduce water use by 40-50% without affecting performance.
Upgrade to water-efficient appliances - ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers and washing machines use significantly less water and energy.
Choose water-wise landscaping - Swap lawns for xeriscaping with drought-tolerant plants, perfect for Canmore’s cool and dry climate.
Harvest rainwater - Use a rain barrel to collect and reuse rainwater for gardens and lawns.
Take Action
Fruit Tree Replacement Program
Protecting Wildlife Starts in Our Backyards
Did you know that something as simple as a backyard fruit tree can put wildlife at risk? In the Bow Valley, fruit trees are the #1 reason bears are relocated or killed.
But here’s the good news: we can fix this—together.
Through the Town of Canmore’s Fruit Tree Removal Incentive, residents can get financial help to remove fruit-bearing trees that attract bears into neighbourhoods. And for 2025, thanks to generous support from the G7, we’re partnering with the Town of Canmore to offer a replacement tree!
Introducing the Fruit Tree Replacement Incentive
This added support helps cover the cost of planting a non-fruit-bearing tree in place of the one you remove—so you can still enjoy a beautiful yard without putting wildlife in danger.
Let’s make Canmore a place where bears stay wild, and neighbours stay safe.
One tree at a time.
POW Campaign
This is an interesting and hard hitting approach by Protect Our Winters, with a call to action on climate that some readers might wish to respond to. POW’s latest campaign pushes for stronger climate action by highlighting the value of Canada’s iconic parks and natural spaces, as well as what’s at stake.
Asbestos Safety
Asbestos exposure can become a hidden risk during post-wildfire cleanup, particularly in older homes and structures. The Mesothelioma Center offers medically reviewed guidance on identifying and safely managing asbestos, as well as understanding the long-term health risks of exposure, including mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. These resources are designed to help protect individuals and communities during disaster recovery efforts.
Learn more:
Handling & Disposal Guide
Mesothelioma Overview
Community Events
Fireguard Information Night
Interested in learning more about the Bow Valley Community Fireguard? Join the Town of Canmore for the pub(lic) information night at the Bill Warren Training Centre starting at 6 p.m. on August 14. Members of the project team will be in attendance during Pub Night to answer questions about how the fireguard works, how trails are being protected, and much more.
The Biosphere Institute will be there with a booth to share information about the new FireSmart program, in partnership with the Town of Canmore.
Ev’s are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour
We are proud to partner with national nonprofit Plug’n Drive, a trusted source for electric vehicle education and test drives, to bring the 2025 EV’s are for Everyone Cross-Canada Tour to Banff and Canmore!
Banff MEET
This event will take place in Banff from September 11 to 28, 2025, every Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Banff Train Station, 327 Railway Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A1.
During the event you can connect with Plug’n Drive EV ambassadors, get your questions answered, and experience the latest in electric vehicle technology. Test drives will be available in a lineup of EVs from leading manufacturers.
Click Here to Book your Banff Test drive!
Canmore MEET
This event will take place in Canmore from October 2 to 19th, every Thursday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The location of this event as well as the test drive registration link will be provided soon.
Building for Sustainability Symposium
Join us November 6-7, 2025 at the Malcom Hotel in Canmore for two days of keynotes, workshops, field trips, and networking focused on sustainable and climate-ready building. Click here to register.
