Image Credit: BC FireSmart

By Victor Kaisar

FireSmart

TNRD launches expanded FireSmart rebate program for seniors over 65

Jun 21, 2025 | 11:06 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) has expanded its FireSmart Rebate Program to include a new offering for seniors over the age of 65.

Spokesperson Colton Davies says eligible residents across the 10 TNRD electoral areas may qualify for rebates of up to 50 per cent to a maximum of $750, if they complete mitigation work in the immediate, intermediate, and extended zones within 30 metres of their homes.

It’s a little more than what other TNRD property owners can qualify for, as they can get up to 50 per cent of the costs reimbursed to a maximum of $500, if they complete mitigation work in the immediate zone located within 1.5 metres of their home.

“The rebate is a benefit or an incentive for folks who are doing FireSmart work to protect their house but if you’re a senior and your concern is you can’t do the work within 1.5 metres of our house, you probably have the same issue with FireSmarting that might need to be done at a greater distance,” Davies said.

“That’s why this 65-plus rebate program was created and also why the zone was expanded to 30 metres and the rebate amount increased because of the larger work zone.”

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In order to qualify for one of the rebates, property owners will need to complete mitigation work identified by the TNRD’s FireSmart Coordinators. In order to do that, Davies said they need to request a free FireSmart assessment, and pass a follow-up inspection once work has been completed.

Both rebate programs are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until Oct. 31 or until the $100,000 in funding runs out.

While its not clear how much funding is left, Davies said there have been 195 requests for home assessments to date, adding 145 assessments have been completed. He said in total, the TNRD has assessed 248 structures, which includes homes as well as outbuildings like shops or garages.

“We have several dozen more that are scheduled and being planned plus anything more that we get in,” Davies said. “We are expecting – and hoping – there will be more requests coming in from our rural areas in the coming weeks.”

“We’re definitely itching for people to take advantage of this program as it’s the first time we’ve offered it.”

TNRD residents can book a FireSmart Home Assessment online or by calling the TNRD’s FireSmart team by phone 250-377-8673 or by email.

For more information about FireSmart from the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, go here.