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Cranbrook, BC (April 18, 2023) – The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has provided $362,500 in funding in 2023 to the City of Cranbrook to support two crucial wildfire resiliency initiatives supporting vital infrastructure.

“These projects form part of our ongoing Wildfire Risk reduction activities meant to mitigate risks associated with high fuel loads on the landscape and their impact on communities and vital infrastructure,” says Scott Driver, Director of Fire & Emergency Services. “I want to thank CBT for these grants that will allow us to further protect our residents and our assets from the risk of wildfire.”

$199,500 in funding will help further treat City-owned lands near the Phillips Reservoir, protecting the City’s primary drinking water supply and residents and property to the south of the City. This project will occur on both sides of the power line next to the reservoir. It will include mechanical harvest, thinning/hog fuel removal and prescribed fire to increase the wildfire resiliency of the property.

CBT also awarded $162,900 for similar work on City-owned lands surrounding the Canadian Rockies International Airport (CRIA). The funds will support the completion of thinning and burning activities on the airport's west side.