Quesnel residents are sleeping more soundly, property by property and neighbourhood by neighbourhood, thanks to the award-winning efforts of Erin Robinson.
Robinson is the City of Quesnel’s forestry initiatives manager, and in addition to spearheading scientific research and industrial change initiatives, also leads the efforts to reduce wildfire damage within the municipality. For this latter focus, Robinson was one of three winners of the 2023 Lynn Orstad Award.
“In memory of Lynn Orstad, FireSmart BC, created this award to recognize women in B.C. or Alberta who have contributed to furthering wildfire resilience in their community, agency or province,” said the City of Quesnel in an announcement honouring Robinson.
“The Lynn Orstad Award – Women in Wildfire Resilience is an annual award honouring women who have made significant contributions in wildfire resilience and advocacy efforts.”
The 2023 recipients from B.C. alongside Robinson, were City of Penticton emergency program coordinator Brittany Seibert and FireSmart program advisor Deanne Suddaby.
Nominees were judged on the following criteria:
• The impact of the advocacy efforts on advancing FireSmart’s mission;
• The inclusivity and reach of community engagement and education initiatives;
• The extent to which the nominee is a trailblazer in wildfire resilience.
Earlier this year the South Hills neighbourhood of Quesnel became the first in the city to be a certified FireSmart neighbourhood, and others are now working towards that designation.
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