RDKB Ignites FireSmart Savings with New Rebate Program
By RDKB
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has announced the launch of its Residential FireSmart Rebate Program, providing an incredible opportunity for residents to enhance the wildfire resiliency of their homes and communities. This initiative is the latest addition to the RDKB’s ongoing efforts to promote FireSmart practices, reinforcing the district’s commitment to wildfire mitigation.
Homeowners who have taken advantage of a FREE FireSmart Home Assessment by an RDKB Wildfire Mitigation Specialist—and those planning to do so in the future—are now eligible to apply for rebates ranging from $500 to $5,000. This rebate is designed as a 50% cost-share, meaning that for every dollar spent on eligible FireSmart activities, homeowners can receive 50 cents back, up to the program’s maximum.
“This is another great step forward for the RDKB’s FireSmart program,” said Carlene Pires, RDKB’s Emergency Program/FireSmart Coordinator. “We’re proud to support residents who are proactively taking measures to protect their homes and communities. This rebate program recognizes and rewards their efforts, helping to offset the costs of important mitigation work.”
Key Details of the FireSmart Rebate Program:
Rebate Amounts: Homeowners can apply for rebates between $500 and $5,000, with the rebate amount calculated as 50% of the total cost of eligible mitigation work. For instance, $1,000 of completed work qualifies for a $500 rebate, while $10,000 or more in work is needed for the full $5,000 rebate.
Eligible Work: To qualify for the rebate, residents must complete the mitigation actions specified in the FireSmart assessment report provided by an RDKB Wildfire Mitigation Specialist. Only work done within 30 meters of the home is eligible.
Application Process: Residents must document their work using the Rebate Application Form, tracking both personal labour (valued at $32.00/hour) and any hired contractors or materials. Completed applications, including photos and receipts, should be submitted to firesmart@rdkb.com.
Timeline: Applications are open from August 15th to October 31st, 2024. For those who cannot complete their work within this period, the rebate program will reopen with an earlier intake in Spring 2025, ensuring that future application windows allow ample time for participation.
The FireSmart Rebate Program is available to residents in RDKB’s Electoral Areas A, B, C, D, and E, as well as the municipalities of Fruitvale, Montrose, Trail, Warfield, Grand Forks, and Greenwood. Please note that residents of Midway and Rossland should refer to their own local programs, as their rebate structures differ from RDKB’s.
The RDKB encourages all eligible homeowners to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce wildfire risks on their properties. As funding is limited and rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, early application is recommended.
For more information, including the detailed rebate guide and application form, please visit https://emergency.rdkb.com/Be-Prepared/FireSmart or contact the FireSmart team at firesmart@rdkb.com or 250-368-0259.
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