Two years after the worst wildfire season in recent history, the residents of communities along Westside Road are rebuilding and continuing to FireSmart their homes.
On April 26, 2025, RDCO FireSmart Coordinator Adam Skrinnikoff recognized four new communities as Fire Smart Neighbourhoods: Traders Cove, Pine Point, Wilson’s Landing – Westside Place and Wilson’s Landing – Browse Rd area. In addition, Shelter Cove achieved this status for a 2nd year. Community representatives received the official signs for each community. Blanche Beda, Director of Wilson’s Landing and Communities Society, spoke and said that more homeowners are working to make their homes FireSmart since the program started in spring 2023. Chief Paul Zydowicz also addressed the crowd with a resounding thank you for these efforts noting that being FireSmart can make a big difference and well worth the effort.
“Congrats to all the community champions for their hard work and focus on FireSmart”, says Marianne Dahl, VP of the Wilson’s Landing Firefighters Association. “We are so proud of how dedicated and resilient our communities have been. It’s inspiring knowing our neighbours are doing this work to protect us all in the future.”
Blanche Beda, Director of Wilson Landing & Communities Society coordinated this event and is also a FireSmart champion for Wilson’s Landing. The Society is busy organizing the 3rd Annual Community FireSmart Clean-up, next weekend on May 3 and 4, 2025. There are extended hours both days and extra yard waste bins at the Traders Cove Transfer station. Also, FireSmart yard waste bins will be located in the community at Jenny Creek, Wilson’s Landing – Browse Rd area and Wilson’s Landing – Westside Place. Shelter Cove schedules their clean-up for the May long weekend.
United Way BC provided a Local Love grant to support this event and continues to work with local organizations and communities on emergency preparedness.
For more info on fire smarting your home, visit https://www.rdco.com/en/living-here/firesmart-program.aspx
