Time for new ideas to reduce wildfire risk for communities: NDP critic

Gordon HOEKSTRA, Prince George Citizen – June 29, 2011 Criticizing the latest $25 million available to communities to reduce wildfire risk, B.C. NDP forestry critic Norm Macdonald says the province must find a new method to protect communities from wildfires.

The $25-million program provided by the B.C. Liberals — which is administered through the Union of B.C. Municipalities — requires communities to provide a portion of matching funding. The proportion communities must contribute is 50 per cent during the planning stage, up to a maximum of $15,000, decreasing to 10 to 25 per cent at the stage where the on-the-ground work is carried out. The level is 10 per cent for the first $100,000, and 25 per cent between $100,000 and $400,000. The B.C. Liberals say Macdonald’s criticism is misplaced, as it’s not unreasonable to ask communities to contribute a small portion to reduce wildfire risk to their communities.
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