Canmore, AB — Homeowners in Canmore can now apply for financial assistance to replace their roofs with fire-resistant materials as part of a new municipal program aimed at strengthening the town’s defences against wildfire.
The Roof Replacement Incentive Program, made possible by a $200,000 grant from Intact Financial Corporation, subsidizes the cost of upgrading combustible roofing — particularly cedar shake — to materials approved under FireSmart standards.
Simon Bagshaw, the Town of Canmore’s regional FireSmart coordinator, explained that roofs represent the single most vulnerable part of a home during a wildfire event. Airborne embers and sparks generated by a wildfire can travel as far as two kilometres, landing on rooftops and igniting flammable materials or debris that has accumulated in crevices.
Cedar shake roofs, while aesthetically appealing, pose an especially high risk. Bagshaw noted that the material’s combustible nature, combined with the small gaps where embers can lodge and catch fire, creates a dangerous combination. Many of these roofs can be found in Canmore neighbourhoods such as Silvertip and Rundleview.
How the Program Works
Eligible homeowners — those who have completed a FireSmart home assessment between 2023 and 2025 in which a roof upgrade was recommended — can apply for the incentive. Single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes may receive up to 50 per cent of the replacement cost, capped at $5,000. Condominium buildings with four or more units managed by a condo board can receive up to $10,000 for a full roof replacement using Class A-rated materials.
The funding is not available retroactively; roofs that have already been replaced or are currently being worked on do not qualify. If the program receives more applications than it can fund, priority will go to properties with the most combustible roofing, full-time residents, and applicants who have already taken other FireSmart measures on their properties.
Replacements must be completed between April 16, 2026, and July 1, 2027, and all ancillary roof elements — including flashing, soffits, gutters, and vents — must also meet FireSmart standards.
Strong Early Interest
The program opened for applications on February 2, and within its first week, eight homeowners had already submitted applications. The application window remains open until March 31, with successful applicants to be notified by April 15.
Mayor Sean Krausert expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, saying the grant from Intact Financial Corporation will make a meaningful difference in helping residents upgrade their roofs and in building the community’s overall resilience to wildfire.
Beyond the Roof
Bagshaw emphasized that roof replacement is just one piece of a broader wildfire preparedness strategy. Homeowners can take a range of simpler, low-cost steps to reduce their risk, such as cleaning out gutters, removing combustible debris from around their homes, and making thoughtful landscaping choices that limit the amount of fuel near buildings.
The program is funded for one cycle only, with any future rounds dependent on securing additional grant money.
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