Canmore residents can access grants for new roofs

Cyclists ride through downtown Canmore, Alta., on Monday, April 24, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Residents in the town of Canmore are now able to apply for a municipal grant aimed at helping the community become more resistant to wildfires.

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The town says it received $200,000 from Intact Financial Corporation to help fund its roof replacement incentive program.

The program helps residents to replace combustible roofs with FireSmart-approved materials.

“Canmore residents are deeply invested in increasing wildfire resiliency when it comes to their homes,” said Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert in a news release.

“We’ve seen entire groups come together to apply FireSmart principles in their neighbourhoods. But when it comes to wildfire, one of the most vulnerable parts of a home is also the most cost-prohibitive to replace.”

The grant allows homeowners of single-family homes, duplexes and triplexes to receive 50 per cent of the cost of replacement roofs, up to a maximum of $5,000.

Condo buildings consisting of more than four units managed by a condo board are eligible for 50 per cent of the replacement cost up to $10,000 if the entire roof is replaced. A single representative of the condo needs to apply for such grants.

If there are too many applicants for the funding, the town says it will be used on a priority basis:

• homes with wood/cedar shakes or other materials rated Class C or below;
• homes occupied on a full-time basis by owners or tenants; 
• applicants who have completed other FireSmart recommendations on their property; and
• applicants who have participated in the Neighbourhood Recognition Program.

Intact is contributing the money from its municipal climate resiliency grant program, a strategy that was launched back in 2021.

A portion of the funds will also be used to replace roofs and siding on essential town infrastructure such as lift stations and pump houses.

“This program is rooted in the belief that municipalities are on the front lines of climate change, and that providing them with tools tailored to their local needs is essential to building lasting community resilience,” officials said.

All applicants need to have a FireSmart home assessment, which recommends a roof replacement, conducted within the past three years.

The incentive is not provided for existing or in-process roof replacements.

Intact said approximately 70 per cent of the total area burned by wildfires in 2024 was in Western Canada.

The severe weather made summer 2024 the “most destructive season in Canadian history,” it said, with approximately $7.1 billion in insured losses.

More information about the program and instructions to apply are on the town of Canmore’s website.