EP2.4Offer support for residents to dispose of flammable debris and vegetation from FireSmart landscaping initiatives on private property.

For several years, the City has offered the FireSmart Community Chipping Program, which provides free, curbside removal and chipping of highly flammable vegetation like cedar, juniper, pine, fir, and spruce branches from private properties to reduce wildfire risk. Funded by the province, the program aims to remove hazardous fuel sources from homes and neighborhoods, especially within the first 10 meters of a dwelling. Homeowners register for a pickup date, then pile accepted debris at the curb for collection by the service provider.

The program helps overcome some of the cost and complexity of removing flammable vegetation from private properties.

The City of Kelowna was the first to offer this program in the province and won a Climate & Energy Action Award in 2023 at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention. The program has been offered for the past several years.