Downton Lake 2023 Wildfire Recovery

Thank you for visiting the SLRD’s wildfire recovery website. This site was launched in late 2023 to provide a central location for recovery-related information, resources and updates. We have refreshed this website to capture information about current questions and concerns coming from the community. Continue to visit the site and subscribe to our email list to be notified of important updates.

The SLRD Board, the CAO, and the recovery team recognize this is a challenging time for the community. We want to reiterate our commitment to listening to concerns, providing regular and transparent information even when it’s difficult news, and collaborating with affected residents, government and agency partners to offer clarity, and assist you as we are able throughout this process.

View the Frequently Asked Questions for answers to your most recent questions on: Powerlines, concrete, outhouses, RVs, shipping containers, property tax deferrals and more. Keep reaching out to the appropriate contact or use the “Questions” form below if you have a question or concern that hasn’t been addressed.

Latest Updates

New support from Canadian Red Cross: The Canadian Red Cross has announced new recovery support to assist people impacted by the 2023 BC Wildfires. Support may include understanding insurance and community resources, financial assistance to access mental health services, as well as providing referrals and information to help people make decisions and inform their next steps. The Canadian Red Cross is also working with primary residence homeowners who have been unable to return to their home, to provide financial support for housing repair and reconstruction. More information can be found in this Red Cross document.

If the Red Cross has not yet contacted you regarding support available, we encourage you to reach out to them directly to learn more and apply, at BCFires2023@redcross.ca or 1-833-966-4225 (Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. PT).

Fully-funded tree replanting program: Thank you for an incredible response to the Cariboo Carbon Solutions tree replanting initiative - over 40 private landowner intake forms were received by the end of July. If you submitted a form you have likely been contacted already by CCS. They will continue to be in touch as they move into the fieldwork planning stages. As this is a multiple year project, if you missed the July 31, 2024 intake form deadline or if your circumstances change over the coming year, and you would like to register, please do not hesitate to submit an intake form at any time to andrew@cariboocarbon.ca. You can continue to find information and resources related to this initiative on the Land-Based Recovery page.

Concrete assessments and update from July 24 Board meeting: The information gathered from the eight private property concrete removal assessments was presented and discussed at the Board meeting on July 24. Based on assessment findings, the Board determined that no further action will take place at this time. The Ministry of Environment (MOE) and Water Land Resources Society (WLRS) have provided some guidance and clarity on concrete removal and options to keep concrete on a property – please find this information in the FAQ folder for Concrete on this website, or in the email update sent on July 29.

Riparian Update: The Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) and the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) has provided an update on new riparian direction and QEP reimbursement for debris-clearing assessment.

We are happy to share that part of this new pathway includes provisions that will allow those affected by the wildfire to rebuild their home (not including accessory structures like sheds and hot tubs) on the same footprint as the one that was lost (no larger). Learn how it can apply to you by reading the detailed Riparian Direction document found in the Riparian Section.