Big River receives $792,000 for wildfire and climate resilience

The town of Big River, Saskatchewan, has been awarded $792,000 in federal funding to enhance its wildfire and climate resilience. This allocation is part of a broader $34 million federal initiative aimed at helping various communities manage climate change impacts.

In Big River, the funds will be used to upgrade fire hydrants and replace the backup generator at the local water treatment plant. Mayor Chad Dunn noted that the current generator is insufficient to maintain water treatment and distribution during power outages, which is a critical risk in the forested region during firefighting efforts.

The funding was distributed through the Green Municipal Fund’s Local Leadership for Climate Adaptation program, in partnership with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Beyond Big River, the federal investment will support approximately a dozen projects across Saskatchewan, including drainage improvements in Saskatoon, Battleford, Fort Qu’Appelle, and Weyburn, as well as feasibility studies and retrofitting roadmaps in Regina.