FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NISKU, ALBERTA – RMA Insurance, in partnership with FireSmart Alberta, is proud to announce the Town of Canmore as the recipient of the 2026 Community Wildfire Resilience Award. The award recognizes Alberta municipalities that demonstrate leadership in wildfire preparedness through proactive mitigation efforts and meaningful participation in FireSmart initiatives.
The award was presented to the Town of Canmore in recognition of its completion of the FireSmart Alberta Community Scorecard and its continued commitment to understanding, evaluating, and reducing local wildfire risk. Completion of the scorecard is a core requirement of the award program and serves as a critical tool for municipalities to identify gaps, prioritize actions, and strengthen long‑term resilience.
“This award is about preparedness, accountability, and follow-through,” said Kara Westerlund, President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. “The Town of Canmore has taken the important step of assessing its wildfire risk through the FireSmart Community Scorecard and using that information to guide local action. That kind of leadership is essential as wildfire risk continues to evolve across Alberta.”
The Town of Canmore was selected from a pool of qualified applicants based on its demonstrated commitment to wildfire mitigation, community awareness, and alignment with FireSmart best practices. The FireSmart Alberta Community Scorecard was developed to help communities better understand their wildfire exposure and identify specific, achievable steps to reduce risk.
“Municipalities are closest to the impacts of wildfire, and the choices they make at the local level matter,” said Craig Pettigrew, Chief Operating Officer of RMA Insurance. “Effective wildfire mitigation is built over time through planning, coordination, and practical action at the local level. The Town of Canmore’s efforts demonstrate how strong risk management practices and community leadership contribute to greater resilience.”
“FireSmart is not a one‑time initiative for Canmore; it’s an ongoing commitment to understanding risk and taking meaningful steps to address it,” said Simon Bagshaw, Regional FireSmart Coordinator for the Town of Canmore. “We’re proud of the work being done locally and appreciate this recognition from RMA Insurance and FireSmart Alberta as encouragement to continue strengthening our community’s wildfire resilience.”
“This award is incredibly meaningful to the Town of Canmore,” said Sean Krausert, Mayor of the Town of Canmore. “Not only does it recognize the efforts we are putting into reducing wildfire risk to the community, but it allows us to confidently continue that work. Every dollar invested into mitigation efforts increases our collective resilience tenfold. We are grateful that RMA Insurance believes in what we’re working so hard to achieve.”
The FireSmart Community Scorecard supports the Government of Alberta’s Wildfire Mitigation Strategy, a province‑wide approach that emphasizes shared responsibility among governments, municipalities, Indigenous communities, industry, and residents. The strategy recognizes municipalities as key partners in wildfire mitigation through land‑use planning, vegetation management, public education, and participation in programs such as FireSmart.
“Wildfire mitigation works best when communities take an active role in understanding their risk,” said Michael Coutu, FireSmart Specialist with Alberta Forestry and Parks. “Completing the FireSmart Community Scorecard gives municipalities a clear picture of where they are doing well and where further action can reduce wildfire exposure. The Town of Canmore’s participation reflects that shared commitment to prevention and resilience.”
As the 2026 award recipient, the Town of Canmore will receive $5,000 in grant funding, which can be reinvested directly into future wildfire mitigation efforts. The Community Wildfire Resilience Award is presented annually by RMA Insurance to recognize municipalities that are taking proactive, measurable steps to reduce wildfire risk.
To learn more about the FireSmart Alberta Community Scorecard, visit firesmartalberta.ca.
To learn more about the Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy, visit alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire-mitigation-strategy.
About the Rural Municipalities of Alberta
The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) is a trusted and independent association representing Alberta’s 69 counties and municipal districts. Since 1909, RMA remains committed to empowering rural municipalities with strong, effective local governance. Through dedicated advocacy and a suite of valued business services, including cooperative procurement and group benefits through the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada and comprehensive coverage through RMA Insurance, we strive to strengthen and support rural Alberta. Learn more at rmalberta.com.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Shamelle Pless
General Manager, Marketing & Communications
Rural Municipalities of Alberta
780.886.2480
shamelle@rmalberta.com