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With wildfire remaining the highest-rated threat to life and property in the Bow Valley, the Town of Canmore, along with the Municipal District of Bighorn and the Kananaskis Improvement District, has announced the start of construction on the Bow Valley Community Fireguard.
Construction on the Bow Valley Fireguard is scheduled to begin on November 18. Funding from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) Community Fireguard Program, obtained in partnership with Alberta Forestry and Parks, will support this large-scale effort to protect communities and infrastructure from the increasing risk of wildfire in the region.
The multi-year project will include forest thinning and mechanical tree removal across several key areas, including Stoneworks Creek, Harvie Heights, and East Park Gates. In total, roughly 200 hectares of forest will be harvested, with an additional 116 hectares thinned to create a buffer zone between wildland and community developments. This will involve clearing a fireguard extending from the East Park Gates to Dead Man's Flats over the next three to five years.
Phased construction timeline and areas of focus
The project is divided into phases, each targeting areas at the highest risk for rapid wildfire spread due to topography and typical wind patterns. Work on south-facing slopes is prioritized, as these areas experience greater sun exposure and dry out more quickly, intensifying wildfire risk. Initial construction is planned as follows:
- Stoneworks East: Nov. 18, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025
- Stoneworks West: Dec. 9, 2024 – Mar. 27, 2025
- Harvie Heights: Feb. 18 – Mar. 21, 2025
- East Park Gates: Mar. 4 – Apr. 22, 2025
Trail closures will be in effect throughout Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park to ensure public safety during the fireguard’s construction. The Montane Traverse and the Legacy Trail are among the trails affected.
Impacts on residents and the environment
Residents may notice increased noise and activity as heavy machinery clears forested areas. Though residential roads will be used for construction access, home accessibility will remain unaffected. Smoke from debris disposal will be managed to minimize impact, and any updates regarding air quality will be communicated as the project progresses.
The fireguard project is anticipated to bring visible changes to the landscape, with large sections of the forest canopy being thinned or removed. According to project coordinators, creating this buffer will help slow the spread of potential wildfires, thus protecting life, property, and essential infrastructure. Some ecological benefits are also expected, including increased sunlight and improved forage, creating beneficial habitat edges for local wildlife.
Supporting ecological integrity and wildlife
Long-term ecological benefits are integrated into the fireguard’s design. Over a century of fire suppression has led to dense, mature forests prone to intense fires. Still, the planned forest thinning and tree removal will mimic some of the natural cycles of wildfire, encouraging healthy regrowth. Specialists in human-wildlife coexistence were consulted to assess the potential impacts, and wildlife surveys have been completed to protect species, such as cavity-nesting birds. Critical nesting sites, including those of the pileated woodpecker, will be preserved as part of the fireguard’s construction.
Project organizers aim to establish a resilient forest landscape. While some wildlife may experience temporary displacement, the project is expected to create a more sustainable habitat over time.
Long-term fireguard maintenance and management
Once construction is completed, the fireguard will require maintenance every 15 to 20 years to ensure ongoing effectiveness. This fireguard, distinct from FireSmart™ initiatives, will be a substantial barrier by removing natural fuel sources, slowing wildfire spread, and providing a safe response zone for firefighters.
The Bow Valley Community Fireguard is a proactive measure designed to address Canmore and surrounding communities' need for increased wildfire resilience. Project organizers recognize that these significant changes to the landscape may affect residents' sense of place. Still, they emphasize that safety and community protection are at the core of this long-term initiative.
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