In Whitehorse, wildfire is a very real risk. The City is committed to reducing wildfire risk through education, planning, and practical tools like the FireSmart program. Our efforts have been guided by the City's Wildfire Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan since 2021, and are aligned with FireSmart Canada. Building on the progress that has been made, we are considering new actions that are effective, enforceable, and supported by the public.

We’re currently exploring Bylaw and Policy changes to strengthen wildfire risk reduction. To make sure we are on the right track, we want to hear from you. This engagement is your opportunity to learn more about the City’s current approach, share your thoughts on proposed Bylaw and Policy changes, and suggest ideas we may not have considered yet. Your feedback will help shape how Whitehorse moves forward in building a more wildfire-resilient city.

Proposed Bylaw and Policy Changes

Zoning Bylaw

The Zoning Bylaw governs what kind of development can occur and how property and land can be used within the city.

Proposed Amendments:

1. Require the use of deciduous vegetation in the landscape plan

   In a wildfire coniferous (evergreen) shrubs within 10m of buildings pose a significant risk of igniting these buildings.
   Landscaping currently requires the planting of trees and shrubs on lots.
   This change means deciduous (leafy) trees and shrubs would be required instead of conifers (evergreens).
   
   

2. Material requirements (noncombustible section in fencing)
   In a wildfire, fences provide a continuous fuel – fire can travel along them like a fuse or a candlewick.
   This change means where combustible fences are present, there should be a minimum 1.5m ‘fuelbreak’ such as a metal section or a non-combustible gate.

Maintenance Bylaw

The Maintenance Bylaw sets minimum standards relating to the cleanliness, state of repair and maintenance of property within Whitehorse.

The proposed amendments seek to reduce the risk of fire spreading from yards to homes.

Proposed Amendments:

1. Prohibit firewood within 1.5m of homes during fire season (April-Oct).
2. Prohibit coniferous vegetation (evergreen shrubs and trees) within 1.5m of homes.

3. Prohibit use of bark mulch and shredded rubber products within 1.5m of homes.

Building and Plumbing Bylaw

The Building and Plumbing Bylaw sets standards for the construction, demolition, removal, or alteration of any building or structure within Whitehorse.

The roof and eavestroughs/gutters of a home can be a critical vulnerability in a wildfire. Using ignition resistant materials greatly improves a home's chances of survival.

Proposed Amendments:

1. Roofs to be constructed using ignition resistant materials (e.g. Rated asphalt shingles, sheet metal).
2. Gutters, eavestroughs and downspouts to be non-combustible (i.e. metal).

   
   

Tree Removal Policy

The Tree Removal Policy guides the City's management of the urban forest and lays out conditions for removal of trees on public land within Whitehorse.

Under the current tree removal policy residents cannot prune trees or remove vegetation from green, public spaces.

The Home Ignition Zone for many residents extends into these spaces, meaning the wildland fuels can pose a significant risk to their homes.

Proposed Amendment:

1. Allow residents to obtain a permit for specific vegetation management in public green space within 30m of their property line.

Click here to read about the proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, Maintenance Bylaw, Building and Plumbing Bylaw, and the Tree Removal Policy.