Intact opens grant applications for communities to reduce flood and wildfire risk
Municipalities and Indigenous communities can apply for up to $225,000 to implement practical projects until Dec. 18, 2026.
TORONTO — Intact Financial Corporation has opened applications for its Climate Resilience Grants program, offering municipalities and Indigenous communities grants of up to $225,000 to implement projects that reduce flood and wildfire risks.
Applications are open until Dec. 18, 2026.
"Municipalities and Indigenous communities are doing the heavy lifting to protect their communities, but too often, proven ideas stall because the resources to implement them are not there," said Natalie Higgins, senior vice president of climate, social impact and government relations at Intact.
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"These grants help turn local knowledge and practical plans into action that can better protect people and strengthen resilience for years to come."
The program, created in 2021, is designed to close the gap between adaptation planning and implementation.
Intact said it also provides communities with access to its expertise, resources and partners to support project success.
Eligible projects may include community-scale or homeowner-focused initiatives that reduce flood or wildfire risk, strengthen preparedness and deliver measurable benefits.
Applicants can also access research, tools and resources from the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation.
"Resilience is built before disaster strikes," added Higgins.
"As an insurer, we're on the front lines with our customers helping them get back on track after severe weather hits. Our role is not only to help people recover, but also to work alongside communities to reduce risk."
The company noted the urgency for action is growing, citing 13 extreme weather events across Canada between May and June of this year that brought severe flooding, heavy rainfall, wildfires and storms.
Since launching the program in 2021, Intact has invested $4.1 million in 29 adaptation projects supporting 48 communities across Canada.
In Banff, Alta., grant funding has been used to reduce wildfire risk at about 20 critical infrastructure sites.
"We're grateful for the financial and strategic support from Intact to enhance our community's resilience to the ever-present and increasing risk of wildfire," said Corrie DiManno, mayor of Banff.
"Intact is making a difference, literally, on the ground in Banff by helping us make small changes that have a big impact on protecting critical infrastructure."
The Lillooet Tribal Council in British Columbia is using funding to strengthen community wildfire preparedness through FireSmart programming, education and youth engagement.
"Intact's investment has been vital in helping northern St'át'imc communities build long-term wildfire resilience through FireSmart education, fuel mitigation, and cultural fire stewardship," said Sharon French, FireSmart coordinator for the Lillooet Tribal Council.
The Municipality of Southwest Middlesex, Ont., received a grant to launch a program helping homeowners in high-risk areas install backwater valves and disconnect sump pumps from the sanitary sewer system to reduce basement flooding.
"This funding from Intact allows us to take real, proactive steps to reduce flood risk for our residents," said Allan Mayhew, mayor of Southwest Middlesex.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend upcoming program webinars and flood and wildfire risk clinics for guidance.
Program details and eligibility requirements are available on Intact's website.
With files from Yahoo News