Beginning June 1, Central Saanich residents in higher-risk areas will be able to access free curbside chipping, thanks to provincial FireSmart funding available this year.
The municipality's initiative, which runs between June and September, is designed to reduce wildfire risk by helping residents remove flammable yard waste such as branches and woody debris. In the event of a wildfire, wind-blown embers can ignite dry materials around homes.
The mobile chipping program will operate in three designated zones (see map below). Locations were selected based on factors such as proximity to forested areas and available funding.
Eligible homes will receive a door hanger from the Central Saanich Fire Department. Residents can also check their address with an online interactive map.
Residents must register in advance and follow program guidelines, including placing acceptable materials at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on their assigned date. Due to demand, the chipping crew may take more than one day to complete work in each zone, and residents are asked to leave materials out until collection is complete.
This is the fourth summer that the chipping crew has operated, thanks to a Community Resiliency Investment grant. Last year, more than 150 residents registered for the free curbside service, removing over 100 cubic yards of chipped branches and woody debris—enough to fill more than 50 pick-up trucks!
This initiative is part of the district’s broader FireSmart efforts to help residents reduce wildfire risk in a community surrounded by a mix of rural and forested landscapes. This year, Central Saanich is also reviewing other opportunities for yard waste removal. All residents are invited to take a 5-minute survey about how they manage yard waste. What residents say will help identify current practices and challenges, pilot improvements to yard waste services and programs, and reduce wildfire risk across our community.
More information about the survey and curbside chipping, including eligibility and registration details, is available at CSFiresmart.ca.
Residents can also email firesmart@csaanich.ca or call 250-415-8066.
