Canmore ramps up wildfire protection efforts as leaders stress urgency and community safety
Canmore: Leaders in the Bow Valley are gearing up for a wildfire that could change the landscape, similar to past devastating fires in Jasper and Fort McMurray.
That’s why they’re stepping up efforts to protect Canmore and nearby areas like Harvie Heights and Dead Man’s Flats. They’re currently building a large fireguard to help with this.
“It’s not a question of if, but when,” said Lisa Rosvold, the Reeve of the Municipal District of Bighorn. This topic is always at the forefront of community meetings.
Last year, they started clearing 200 hectares of forest and thinning another 116 hectares. This work is expected to wrap up by summer and will help set up firefighting resources while making it easier to combat wildfires.
The first phase of this project focuses on the most at-risk areas in Canmore and is funded by Alberta’s community fireguard program. There are plans for more tree harvesting in the future, but that depends on getting more government funding.
At a recent press conference, Rosvold, Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert, and Alberta Forestry Minister Todd Loewen noted that the Bow Valley hasn’t seen a major wildfire in decades due to fire suppression efforts.
Interestingly, while wildfires can be destructive, they also play a role in maintaining healthy boreal forests. They help release seeds and clear out older trees, making way for new growth.
However, with more development in these forested areas, the priority remains to extinguish wildfires near communities and critical infrastructure.
As a result, the forest in the valley has become overly dense, which isn’t a natural state. Krausert pointed out that this abundance of mature trees poses a significant risk to Canmore and surrounding areas.
Loewen added that some wildfire management practices have led to faster, more intense fires, and the province is looking for a more balanced approach moving forward.
“People are more aware now, especially after recent events in Jasper. If we had proposed this fireguard five years ago, I doubt there would have been as much support,” he said.
Rosvold mentioned that Canmore, Banff, and the MD of Bighorn are also working on a new regional evacuation plan to enhance preparedness.
While it’s still early to predict wildfire risks for 2025, current data shows that snowpack levels in the area are below average for this time of year.
Rosvold, Krausert, and Loewen urged residents to manage fires carefully, follow Firesmart principles, and sign up for emergency alerts as wildfire season approaches.
