Project Overview
Title: Understanding and Improving Wildfire Risk Mitigation Partnerships with Local Governments
Funding Agency: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) – Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative
Goal: To build and mobilize foundational wildland fire knowledge and enhance partnerships between local governments for wildfire risk mitigation.
Project Summary
This project focuses on improving wildfire risk mitigation efforts by fostering collaboration between local governments and key stakeholders. It is part of the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, aiming to create more resilient communities in the face of increasing wildfire risks due to climate change. Through this initiative, York University researchers are working alongside local governments to understand wildfire risks better and develop comprehensive strategies for risk reduction.
The project will leverage knowledge and research to improve policies and actions at the local government level. By bringing together experts from various fields, it seeks to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms for wildfire risks, contributing to the overall safety and sustainability of affected communities.
Key Research Areas
- Wildfire Risk Assessment: Developing tools and methodologies for identifying high-risk areas and assessing vulnerabilities.
- Policy Development: Creating strategies for integrating wildfire mitigation into local governance frameworks.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships between local governments, communities, and experts to ensure more effective mitigation actions.
Key Contributors
- Project Lead: Eric Kennedy (Principal Investigator)
- Co-applicants: Erin Belval, Catrin Edgeley, Toddi Steeleman, Eric Toman
- Collaborators: Local government agencies and stakeholders from wildfire-prone regions
Funding and Resources
- Overhead Costs: The project allows for overhead expenditures up to 15% of NRCan’s contribution.
- Project Duration: The project spans several years, with major milestones and deliverables planned for each phase.
Impact and Future Goals
This project aims to directly impact local government strategies for wildfire risk mitigation, ensuring more coordinated, efficient, and effective responses to wildfire threats. The goal is not only to improve safety but also to build long-term resilience in communities at risk from wildfires.