Coquitlam is looking to the last line of homes to be built on Burke Mountain to be the first line of defence in case of wildfires.
At its Dec. 10 meeting, council approved first reading of a project that will be required to adhere to a “wildfire interface” permit to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading into the neighbourhood.
The permit is one of the conditions for a 21-lot subdivision — in addition to another “remainder lot” for possible future development — on Sheffield Avenue and Shay Street, being proposed by Wesbild.
The subdivision is on the northern boundary of the Partington Creek Neighbourhood Plan and is adjacent to dense forest.
The permit requires homes being built beside the forest to have non-combustible roofing, siding and decks. There are also landscaping restrictions on the trees that can be planted, the type of material that can be planted and setbacks for the home. Any future renovations will also have to follow those requirements.
Coun. Craig Hodge said the permit is one tool for the city in developing a first line of defence against spreading wildfires.
“If you do it right, it’s like cutting a fire break,” said Hodge. “This is especially [the case] in light of what’s happening in California.
“I get they have different conditions down there, but with the impact of global warming we have to be prepared here. Our summers are getting drier and lasting longer. We have to be prepared both with our firefighting plans, but as well as we’re building our last line of defence around our forest edge. Are we doing as much as we can do?”
Coquitlam’s chief planner Jim McIntyre said the permit’s requirements don’t quite match Hodge’s description but should be effective.
“They include elements that would resist the fire coming through, I’m not sure if I’d call it a fire break,” said McIntyre pointing out some fires can carry embers hundreds of metres beyond the initial line of homes.
McIntyre said some of the specific requirements include high-grade roofing shingles, fire retardant building materials, and setback and landscaping guidelines.
In addition to the Partington Creek neighbourhood, McIntyre said similar rules will come into play for expected development in the Northwest Burke Vision area between Coast Meridian Road and the Coquitlam River.
“You need some forethought to plan for that edge,” said McIntyre.
Hodge noted Coquitlam’s fire department has been trained in the last 10 years in structure protection during wildfires and fighting forest fires including being involved in many of the major incidents in British Columbia in recent years. He also said the Union of B.C. Municipalities is providing funding for public wildfire education he hopes the city will be able to take advantage of.
Hodge said one of the challenges the city has on Burke Mountain is its proximity to Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. He believes there’s a need to develop a fuel management plan for the corridor connecting the forest to the city.
As part of the permit, Wesbild will be required to hire a forester or engineer trained in fire protection to conduct a fuel hazard assessment and recommend ways to mitigate wildfire hazards. The subsequent development permit will also set out rules for the subdivision once its completed.
• Another nearby Wesbild project that will result in the expansion of Harper Park had its rezoning application receive fourth and final reading Dec. 10.
The development will see the creation of two townhouse lots and 10 single-family lots on Harper Road and Hickstead Avenue.
As part of the agreement with the city, 3.25 acres will be added to Harper Park. Half an acre, worth approximately $1.15 million, will be given to the city by Wesbild with 1.95 acres being sold to the city. Wesbild has agreed to fund road frontage and servicing for the park ($1.4 million) as well as pay for the design costs for the park construction ($500,000) and $100,000 toward future park maintenance. On top of that, Wesbild will be doing about $600,000 worth of trail works and provide a contribution to cover future park amenities worth about $1 million.
