Strategic location in Banff National Park supports wildfire response throughout the Mountain Parks and across Canada
As climate change continues to drive more frequent, intense, and unpredictable wildfires, the risks to the safety and security of Canadians and their communities are increasing. Wildfires can threaten lives, damage critical infrastructure, disrupt economic activity and impact the ecological health of landscapes in Canada. Investments such as the Parks Canada National Fire Equipment Cache help strengthen Canada's wildfire preparedness and response capacity while supporting long-term resilience.
Yesterday, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, announced the completion of the new Parks Canada National Fire Equipment Cache located in Banff National Park made possible through a federal investment of $34.6 million. The facility serves as a national hub and equipment storage location for specialized wildfire management equipment and will strengthen Parks Canada's capacity to prepare for, respond to, and support wildfire operations across the country.
Equipment stored at the National Fire Equipment Cache is maintained in a constant state of operational readiness and can be quickly mobilized to support wildfire response efforts in Parks Canada administered places across the country. Resources can also be shared with provincial and territorial partners through Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, helping improve coordination and surge capacity during periods of elevated wildfire activity.
Since 2021, the Government of Canada has invested approximately $130 million in the National Wildfire Management Program at Parks Canada. Through this program, Parks Canada works closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, local communities, and federal organizations to reduce wildfire risk, enhance public safety, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain ecological integrity.
The Government of Canada continues to invest in Parks Canada's assets and capabilities to address the impacts of climate change, safeguard Canadians and visitors, support healthy ecosystems, and strengthen the country's ability to respond to and recover from wildfires.
