Home Mitigation Incentive Program

The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting communities impacted by natural hazards and recognizes that mitigation measures can be powerful tools for protecting against future events. The Home Mitigation Incentive Program is a new pilot program offered by the Canadian Red Cross to support residents impacted by the 2017 wildfires in British Columbia. The program provides financial incentives to targeted eligible residents who wish to undertake mitigative actions to protect their homes against future wildfires, floods, and extreme heat events.
 

Application Period

The application portal opened May 9th, 2023, and will remain open until the application deadline on October 31st, 2023.
 

Eligibility

As this is a pilot program, only targeted residents of a community impacted by the 2017 BC wildfires who would like to protect their home against future wildfires, floods and extreme heat events are eligible to apply. 
 
Applicants must:  

• Be a resident of a community impacted by the 2017 BC Wildfires. 
• Be registered with the Canadian Red Cross for the 2017 BC Wildfires OR located in Quesnel OR within the Ashcroft Indian Band.
• Provide documentation demonstrating primary residence is in a community impacted by the 2017 BC Wildfires. 

 

What does the program cover?

The program provides financial incentives for targeted residents to undertake a range of mitigative actions such as clearing vegetation and debris, installing fire-resistant roofing, and other measures to protect their homes against natural hazards including wildfires, floods, and extreme heat events.
 
For a list of activities covered under this program, click here. 
 
All expenses (e.g., contractors, building supplies, etc.) needed to undertake the approved mitigation activities are eligible for reimbursement. However, please note that this program does not cover your own labour.

Please note that the activities listed in the link above are eligible for funding under the program and any expenses related to the approved mitigation activities, such as contractors and building supplies, are eligible for reimbursement. However, this program does not cover your own labour or any expenses for mitigation activities incurred prior to the application approval date.
 

Funding  

Applicants can receive up to $10,000. However, the amount of reimbursement you may receive might be lower as it depends on the specific activities you completed. Since each case is unique, we are unable to provide an exact reimbursement amount until your application is processed and approved according to the program guidelines.
 

How does the program work?

Please take the time to thoroughly review the following points before proceeding with your application for the program:
To apply for the program:

1. Visit the program website. Click on the “Apply Now” button.
2. Create an account on the SM Apply platform OR please call us at 1-833-966-4225 from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST.  We can take your information and have a Canadian Red Cross representative call you back to help.
3. Fill out the application online and ensure to submit it. Our program team will review your application and confirm your eligibility and the amount of funding you are eligible for.
4. Once approved, you may begin completing your mitigative activities. Please note, this program does not cover your own labour.
5. Once the mitigative activities are completed, please fill out the online report in your SM apply account and submit. The report includes uploading receipts, before and after photos to prove the completion of the mitigation activity, and in some instances, proof that specific requirements have been met. Canadian Red Cross reserves the right to additional documents.
6. A Canadian Red Cross program officer will review your report and ensure alignment with our program guidelines. If no additional information is required, then, you will be reimbursed by the Canadian Red Cross.

If you need help completing your application, please call 1-833-966-4225 from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST. We can take your information and have a Canadian Red Cross representative call you back to provide support. You can also email us at: BCmitigation@redcross.ca to request assistance.
 
Resources for applicants
Those interested in applying are encouraged to consult the following documents prior to submitting their applications.
 

• Program Guidebook
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Applicant User Guide

 
How to Apply?
You can access the online application form by clicking here.
 
 

Apply Now

Documentation required:
Below is a list of the required documentation you will need to provide with your application:

• Proof of residency in the eligible geographical area:

For Homeowners:

• Land Title documents (deed) OR
• Property Tax Bill OR
• Mortgage: Private or traditional mortgage documentation (if applicable)

For Tenants:

• Copy of Lease / Rental Agreement

To successfully complete your report and receive reimbursement, you will need to:

• Keep your receipts and invoices for all the funds spent on the project, as they will need to be submitted with your report.
• Provide before and after photos of your home once you complete the mitigation activity for each activity you applied for. These photos will help us verify that the mitigation activity was completed according to program requirements.
• Submit other required documents as requested. The Canadian Red Cross reserves the right to request additional documents.

Need help?
For questions or assistance, you can reach the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-833-966-4225 from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by emailing BCmitigation@redcross.ca.
 
More questions? See the Frequently Asked Questions page here.