The Insurance Bureau of…

The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), on behalf of its member property and casualty (P&C) insurers, appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments to the Forest Fires Prevention Act under Bill 27, as outlined in Environmental Registry Notice ERO #025-1041.

IBC supports the government’s efforts to strengthen wildland fire management, particularly the provisions that facilitate the deployment of equipment and operators during wildfire emergencies and the introduction of administrative monetary penalties to discourage activities that may lead to wildfires. These measures represent significant progress toward reducing wildfire risk in Ontario.

To build on this strong foundation, we would be pleased to support the ministry in advancing proactive strategies that align with IBC’s Three-Point Resilience Plan. These strategies are designed to help reduce wildfire risk and strengthen long-term resilience across communities:

Enhancing How and Where We Build

• Develop publicly accessible wildfire risk maps to identify high-risk zones and integrate this information into land-use planning decisions.
• Designate high-risk wildfire zones and ensure development decisions reflect these risks.
• Modernize building codes to require fire-resistant materials in wildfire-prone areas and encourage retrofits that meet FireSmart standards.
• Explore financial incentives for homeowners and businesses in high-risk areas to upgrade properties with wildfire-resilient features such as ember-resistant vents and roof improvements.

These actions will help strengthen community-level resilience and better protect Ontarians.

Investing in Resilience and Community Risk Reduction

• Expand funding for wildfire prevention programs and support nature-based solutions, such as wildfire-preventive vegetation management to create defensible spaces around properties.
• Promote education and outreach initiatives to help homeowners understand and reduce their vulnerability to wildfires.

Additionally, we acknowledge the ministry’s commitment to repair or replace equipment damaged or lost during wildfire suppression activities. This measure demonstrates a strong dedication to supporting emergency response efforts.

While these proposed amendments mark an important step forward, we see an opportunity to work together to ensure communities are fully prepared for the growing threat of wildfires.

IBC looks forward to continued collaboration with the ministry to advance comprehensive wildfire prevention and resilience measures.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Amanda Dean