Protecting Ontario from Urban Wildfires Act, 2025
Sponsored by Tabuns, Peter, Bell, Jessica, Gilmour, Alexa, Wong-Tam, Kristyn · First Reading Ordered for Second Reading
- Creates the Protecting Ontario from Urban Wildfires Act, 2025, requiring an Urban Wildfires Advisory Committee within 90 days
- Committee includes climate and wildfire scientists, firefighters, conservation authorities, municipalities and First Nations representatives
- Committee must assess growing urban wildfire risks and timelines, and recommend prevention and response measures
- Committee must report its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Assembly within one year of being formed
- Minister must develop plans and any needed legislation within a year of that report to address urban wildfires
- Plans may update Building Code, zoning rules, and laws like the Emergency Management and Forest Fires Prevention Acts
- Minister must also create education programs for city residents and protocols for cooperation between urban and forest firefighting forces