Town of Sidney Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan

Climate projections for the Capital Region indicate that global warming will lead to more extreme climate events, such as intense storms and long heat waves. The region is expected to see increased rainfall in fall, winter, and spring, but less in the summer, with more intense and frequent rainfall events overall. Summers will become hotter, with fewer freezing days in winter, and greater variability between seasons. These changes will lead to longer and more intense wildfire seasons, as observed in other regions of BC and North America. Warmer conditions in spring and fall will extend the fire season, while droughts and insect outbreaks weaken forest health, increasing tree mortality and fuel loads. Despite uncertainties about the rate of climate change, the lengthening fire season in BC suggests increasing wildfire frequency and intensity in the area.

In July 2024, the Old Man Lake wildfire near Sooke, BC, started as a human-caused fire and grew rapidly, reaching 169 hectares within days. It continued to burn out of control, leading to the closure of nearby parks, including Sooke Potholes Regional Park, sections of the Galloping Goose Trail, and local campgrounds. By early August, it had grown to 230 hectares but was eventually brought under control. Luckily this fire did not threaten any urban areas directly however it did cause smoke which affected air quality across the region.

A Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan funded by the Provincial government’s Community Resiliency Investment Program will guide the Town on priorities for managing wildfire risk. The Town is working with professional forestry consultants to create this plan which is being led by Sidney’s Fire Department. The project is expected to be completed in early 2025, when the new plan will be reviewed by Council. The Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan will support the Town’s FireSmart program, and provide opportunities to enhance wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation.

About the survey
The Town wants to hear from residents about the impacts caused by wildfire in our community and priorities for wildfire management. The online survey contains six questions and will take 10-15 minutes to complete. Results from the survey will be considered during the development of the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.

Thank you for participating in our survey. Your feedback is important.