City continues FireSmart Vegetation Management work along Bear Creek Corridor

City continues FireSmart Vegetation Management work along Bear Creek Corridor

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Work to reduce wildfire risk and strengthen community safety continues as the City advances planned FireSmart™ vegetation management work along the Bear Creek Corridor in the coming weeks. 

The upcoming work is funded by two grants. The first scope was announced by the City in September 2025 through the Intact Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant. This phase of vegetation management focuses on reducing flammable materials, improving defensible space and enhancing firefighter access in areas identified as higher risk along the corridor. The second scope is funded through the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) and includes the development of fireguard trails to improve firefighter access in South Bear Creek Park. 

Crews will be removing dead or downed woody vegetation, pruning lower tree limbs, clearing firefighter access points and chipping or removing material where needed. All activities follow FireSmart™ guidelines and environmental best practices to support a healthy and resilient forest structure.

Timing & Location

Work is planned to begin in early December, weather and site conditions permitting. Additional phases continue through 2026.

Areas included in the Intact-funded scope:

  • Bear Creek Corridor: Between South Bear Creek Park north to 97 Avenue.
  • South Bear Creek Park: Firebreak near Bear Creek and the Aquatera Water Treatment Plant.

Areas included in the FRIAA-funded scope:

  • South Bear Creek Park: Fireguard trail development and access improvements.

What to Expect

Residents living along the Bear Creek Corridor may notice:

  • Noise from equipment.
  • Temporary access restrictions.
  • More workers and vehicles in the area.

All work follows safety guidelines. Residents are asked to use caution near work zones and follow signage or directions from crews.

Background

This project continues FireSmart™ vegetation management work the City began in 2024 through funding from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA). Together, the Intact and FRIAA grants support multi-year efforts to improve wildfire resilience, reduce hazard levels and enhance overall safety within the Bear Creek area.

Residents with questions can contact AccessGP by dialling 311 or emailing info@cityofgp.com

More information can be found at cityofgp.com/vegmanagement.