Community Fireguard Project
The County of Grande Prairie is considering a proposal for wildfire mitigation work near Tamarack Estates, Dunes, Dunes on 17, and Evergreen Park to help reduce wildfire risk and improve community safety.
This project is currently proposed and has not been approved by Council. If the project proceeds, the County will provide additional updates closer to the start of the project.
This work is part of the 2025 Wildfire Mitigation Strategy. If approved, the project will include:
vegetation clearing
thinning and pruning
debris disposal and site cleanup
temporary access restrictions and trail closures during operations
Fireguard and Vegetation Management Work
The proposed work area is shown on the fireguard boundary map above. The project is intended to reduce hazardous fuels and strengthen the fireguard system in a high-risk area of the County. View a larger-scale version of the map here.
How this Work Protects Our Community
Fallen trees, dry brush and flammable vegetation located near communities pose risks to both recreational users and nearby properties. The Wapiti Dunes continue to pose the greatest wildfire threat to infrastructure within the County.
Building a fireguard was recommended in the 2025 Wildfire Mitigation Strategy for the forested area just south of the Dunes, Dunes on 17, and Tamarack Estates.
Additionally, the forested areas spanning across the Dunes and Evergreen Park will be thinned and pruned, and a fireguard will be built, to reduce wildfire risk in the area.
Engaging With Residents
There are two opportunities to learn about the project and let the County know how you feel about it. Resident's feedback will be presented to Council to inform their decision about the Community Fireguard.
On September 30, 2026, the County held an Open House at Evergreen Park. This event was an opportunity for residents to share feedback and complete a survey indicating their level of support for the project.
Do you live in Tamarack Estates, Dunes, or Dunes on 17? Answer two questions and let the County know how supportive you are of this project. This five-minute survey provides information about the Wildfire Mitigation Strategy, what makes an area "high risk", and why this work is important.
Your feedback will be presented to Council and will inform their decision to move forward with the Community Fireguard project.
Survey Deadline: Oct 9, 2026
Project Phases
July 2026 - Council Approves Operational Planning for Community Fireguard
August 2026 - Operational Plan Development
September 2026 - Community Engagement: Survey and Open House
November 2026 - Feedback Presented to Council for Final Approval
TENTATIVE January-February 2027 - Work Takes Place
Next Steps
Fireguard construction activities are expected to start winter 2026-2027 and include:
Final community engagement and feedback collection
Field surveys, wildlife identification, and boundary layout completion
Access route creation
Interpretive signage installation
Initiation of clearing, mulching, and fire-resistant, local species seeding
Contact Information
We appreciate your participation in keeping our community safe! For more information about the project please contact Caleb Laing, Regional FireSmart Coordinator, 780-897-8187